Italy’s Kimi Antonelli claimed a second consecutive pole position ahead of team-mate George Russell in qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix on Saturday, securing the front row for Mercedes for the third successive race.
The 19-year-old set a time of one minute and 28.778 seconds around the 5.8km Suzuka circuit, 0.298 seconds faster than his British team-mate.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was third fastest, 0.354 seconds behind him, and Charles Leclerc in Ferrari fourth.
Current champion Lando Norris in the McLaren, who lost significant time in practice due to car problems, was fifth and will start from the third row alongside Lewis Hamilton’s second Ferrari.
The young Italian driver was also the fastest in the third and last free practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix.
Antonelli goes into Sunday’s race after turning his first pole position in China into the first victory in his career. If he wins tomorrow’s Japanese Grand Prix, he would take the lead in the overall standings ahead of Russell, who currently has a four-point lead over Antonelli.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who has won the last four Suzuka races from pole position, failed to make the top 10. The four-time champion described his car as “undriveable” and will start from 11th place.
Kimi feeling the love from the Japanese fans ❤️#F1 #JapaneseGP @MercedesAMGF1 pic.twitter.com/gQFN7dIyLn
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 28, 2026
(Hina | Photo: X)
