Japan
Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli thrilled fans again by securing his second consecutive pole position at the Japanese Grand Prix. The 19-year-old clocked a time of 1:28.778 around Suzuka’s 5.8 km track, beating teammate George Russell by 0.298 seconds. This gives Mercedes the front-row lockout for the third race in a row. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri will start third, followed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in fourth. Lando Norris, hindered in practice by car issues, claimed fifth place alongside Lewis Hamilton. Antonelli, who won his first career race in China from pole, said he felt “very good in the car” and improved with every run. Russell admitted struggles with rear grip but remains hopeful for Sunday’s race. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, four-time Suzuka winner, struggled in qualifying and will start 11th after calling his car “undriveable.” Mercedes looks strong for another one-two finish.
