Kimi Antonelli claims second straight victory with Japanese Grand Prix success

29 Mar 2026 • 4:37 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Kimi Antonelli secured his second consecutive victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, taking the lead in the world championship standings.
  • The Italian teenager capitalised on a safety car period, triggered by British driver Ollie Bearman's 191mph crash, to make a free pit-stop and move ahead of his rivals.
  • Antonelli finished 13.7 seconds clear of McLaren's Oscar Piastri, with Charles Leclerc securing third place.
  • George Russell, who had been leading the championship, expressed frustration after changing tyres just before the safety car, which ultimately cost him his advantage.
  • Antonelli, aged 19 years and 216 days, becomes the first teenager to lead the world championship, now nine points ahead of Mercedes team-mate Russell.

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