Kimi Antonelli delivered another stunning performance to win the Japanese Grand Prix, securing back-to-back victories and becoming the youngest championship leader in Formula 1 history, MySportDab Reports.
The 19-year-old Mercedes driver crossed the line 13.7 seconds ahead of Oscar Piastri of McLaren, while Charles Leclerc of Ferrari completed the podium at Suzuka.
Despite starting on pole, Antonelli initially dropped down the order before capitalizing on a crucial turning point in the race. A heavy crash involving Oliver Bearman triggered a safety car, allowing Antonelli to pit at the perfect moment and inherit the lead.
His teammate George Russell, who had stopped a lap earlier, was left frustrated as the race swung in Antonelli’s favor.
From there, the Italian controlled proceedings with impressive pace and composure to seal his second consecutive win, following his victory in China.
The result gives him a nine-point lead over Russell in the championship standings and makes him the first Italian driver since Alberto Ascari in 1953 to win two successive races.
Russell finished fourth, while reigning champion Lando Norris came home fifth. Lewis Hamilton added to Ferrari’s points tally behind them.
Elsewhere, Pierre Gasly claimed seventh for Alpine, with Max Verstappen finishing eighth for Red Bull Racing. Liam Lawson and Esteban Ocon rounded out the top 10.
Bearman was later cleared of serious injury after medical checks, following his high-speed crash that brought out the decisive safety car.
