Kimi Antonelli continues to make a strong impact in Formula 1, securing pole position for the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. The young Mercedes driver claimed his second consecutive pole of the season, reinforcing the team’s dominance in the early stages of the championship.

Antonelli set the benchmark on his first run in Q3 and, despite a small mistake on his final attempt that prevented further improvement, his initial lap was enough to keep him at the top. The Italian outpaced his teammate George Russell by nearly three tenths, delivering another front-row lockout for Mercedes.

Behind the Mercedes pair, Oscar Piastri confirmed McLaren’s strong form by qualifying third, while Charles Leclerc placed his Ferrari in fourth after a lap compromised by slight oversteer on his final run.

Lando Norris completed the top five in the second McLaren, followed by Lewis Hamilton in sixth for Ferrari. Further down, Pierre Gasly secured a solid seventh place for Alpine, while Isack Hadjar, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Arvid Lindblad rounded out the top ten in a highly competitive midfield battle.

The biggest disappointment of the session was Max Verstappen, who was eliminated in Q2 after struggling to find pace with his Red Bull and will start outside the top ten.

Top 10 – 2026 Japanese Grand Prix Qualifying

Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
George Russell (Mercedes)
Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
Lando Norris (McLaren)
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)
Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)
Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)

With Mercedes showing dominant one-lap pace and McLaren closing the gap once again, Sunday’s race in Suzuka is shaping up to be a strategic battle where tyre degradation and energy management will play a crucial role. Antonelli, meanwhile, will be aiming to convert his second consecutive pole into another victory and firmly place himself in the championship fight.