Kimi Antonelli becomes the youngest F1 championship leader
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, just 19 years old, claimed victory at the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, securing his second consecutive race win and becoming the youngest driver ever to top the Formula One drivers’ standings.
Kimi Antonelli becomes the youngest F1 championship leader
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, just 19 years old, claimed victory at the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, securing his second consecutive race win and becoming the youngest driver ever to top the Formula One drivers’ standings.
Starting from pole, Antonelli briefly fell back early on but regained the lead after a well-timed pit stop during a mid-race safety car period caused by a crash. He crossed the line more than ten seconds ahead of Oscar Piastri, who finished second, with Charles Leclerc in third.
The result pushes Antonelli nine points clear at the top of the championship after three rounds, ahead of his Mercedes team-mate George Russell. It also marked an emphatic statement in the early 2026 season as F1 now heads into a break before the next race in Miami.
