The qualifying session in Suzuka delivered another statement performance from Kimi Antonelli, who continues to emerge as one of the standout names of the season. Arriving in Japan with growing confidence after his recent success, the young Italian handled the pressure flawlessly and secured pole position with a calm and calculated approach. On one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar, precision and commitment are everything—and Antonelli delivered both when it mattered most.
From the very beginning of the session, Mercedes looked in control. Both Antonelli and George Russell consistently set the pace through the opening segments, comfortably progressing into the final shootout while their rivals struggled to match their raw speed. As the track conditions evolved and temperatures dropped slightly, finding the perfect lap became increasingly difficult, adding another layer of complexity to the decisive moments.
In Q3, Antonelli executed a clever strategy that ultimately secured him pole. His first flying lap—often considered a “banker” attempt—turned out to be fast enough to beat everyone else. While other drivers improved on their second runs, the Italian suffered a small lock-up and couldn’t better his time, but it didn’t matter. His initial lap of 1:28.778 remained unbeaten, putting him nearly three tenths clear of his teammate.
Russell had to settle for second place, completing another front-row lockout for the silver team, although he admitted that setup issues limited his ability to challenge for pole. Behind them, Oscar Piastri delivered an impressive performance to secure third, confirming McLaren’s competitiveness, while Charles Leclerc placed fourth and stayed within reach of the leading group.
Further down the order, the session produced some major surprises. Max Verstappen endured a frustrating qualifying and was eliminated before reaching the final shootout, leaving him outside the top ten and facing an uphill battle for the race. The midfield once again proved tightly contested, with multiple teams fighting for small margins that made a significant difference in grid positions.
When the session came to an end, Antonelli celebrated his second consecutive pole position, further underlining his rapid rise in the championship. His composed execution and strategic awareness in the final minutes highlighted a level of maturity far beyond his experience, while Mercedes reinforced its position as the benchmark team at this stage of the season.
MiniDrivers – 2026 Japan
Qualifying
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