Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli secured his second consecutive victory in Formula 1 after overcoming a slow start at Suzuka.
Despite initially dropping to sixth place, the 19-year-old managed to advance through the field before benefiting from a safety car intervention.
The turning point came when Oliver Bearman crashed his Haas into the barriers at the Spoon hairpin.
Oscar Piastri in the McLaren finished in second place, followed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc on the podium.
Here’s a recap of how the race unfolded.
Max Verstappen has dominated recent editions of this grand prix, winning the last four races from 2022 to 2025. However, securing a fifth consecutive victory on Sunday would have required a remarkable effort, especially after Red Bull’s struggles earlier this season.
Mercedes were confident of their chances to claim a third consecutive win with their drivers starting from the front row. Antonelli made headlines in Japan last year by setting the record as the youngest driver to achieve the fastest lap and lead a race at just 18 years old.
The Suzuka Circuit, with its 18 turns and unique ‘figure-of-eight’ layout, remains a favorite among fans. It presents a demanding challenge for drivers, particularly through the “Esses” (Turns 3 to 6) and the iconic corners of Spoon and 130R.
