The Writer’s Verdict: 2026 Japanese Grand Prix
30th March 2026The Japanese Grand Prix saw another record being broken as Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli became Formula 1’s youngest-ever championship leader. Here is our writer’s verdict of the race at Suzuka.
Feature image credit: Getty Images // Red Bull Content Pool
Jamile Barcelos – Contributor
If China suggested a shift in momentum, Suzuka all but confirmed it. On a circuit that rarely forgives imbalance, Mercedes didn’t just emerge on top, they controlled the narrative from start to finish.
Antonelli’s second victory was not defined by dominance, but by composure, as he recovered from an imperfect, chaotic start and capitalized when it mattered most. The Safety Car played a role in reshaping the race, bringing good fortune for some and the opposite for others. George Russell was one affected by the latter, having struggled with the car and ultimately finishing P4, surrendering the championship lead to his younger teammate.
Red Bull, in contrast, appears to be searching for answers rather than setting the pace, placing increasing pressure on Verstappen.
After failing to start in two Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri finally had the opportunity to race and showed a strong pace with an impressive start, putting him in contention for a podium, which he converted into second place. Ferrari also remained within reach, putting up a fight for the front row, with Charles Leclerc ending up in P3.
The incident involving Oliver Bearman did more than trigger a safety car. It exposed areas within the current regulations that may require further refinement, something the FIA has already acknowledged in its post-race response.
Suzuka did not just reward performance, it also rewarded clarity. And at this stage of the season, Mercedes, for now, appear to have both.
Oliver Bearman suffers ‘knee contusion’ after 50G Japanese GP impact
Mason Round – Contributor
The Japanese Grand Prix proved to be another interesting weekend with many highs and lows for the quality of on-track racing. Following another electric start to the grand prix, with Piastri jumping into the lead and both Mercedes tumbling down after slow starts, the race looked set for a few surprises.
And while there were a few battles and overtakes on track, I can’t help but feel this race was massively helped by the safety car on lap 22. Occurring right on the edge of the first pit window, fortune fell the way for the likes of Hamilton and Antonelli, leaving former race leaders Piastri and Russell cursing their luck.
Following an entertaining second half of the race, with notable battles between the two Ferraris, Verstappen and Gasly and Russell and Leclerc, I feel as though the race produced some interesting racing but still left many areas to be improved.
The biggest story line to come out of this weekend however, in my opinion, must be the record breaker Kimi Antonelli. Becoming the youngest ever leader of a world championship at just 19 years of age, Antonelli has firmly cemented himself as one of Formula One’s hottest prospects in recent years following another mature pole position and race victory in Japan.
Superb In Suzuka: Kimi Antonelli Takes The Championship Lead And Rewrites History!
Millie Clark – Contributor
The Japanese Grand Prix showed us two important things. Kimi Antonelli is ready to fight at the front continuously, and all hope is not lost for McLaren after all.
Despite having a poor getaway from the number one grid slot, Antonelli stayed focused on the laps ahead. With a little help from the safety car, the young Italian made his way back to first place and left the rest of the field in the dust.
Lap 53, Antonelli takes the chequered flag first, claiming back-to-back victories, and steals the Drivers’ Championship lead from his teammate George Russell and becomes the youngest driver in history to take the top of the championship standings. Now he’s found his rhythm, we should expect to see this teenage talent at the front more often.
As for McLaren, Oscar Piastri stormed into the lead from third on the grid to finally begin Grand Prix racing in 2026. With the unlucky safety car timing, P2 was the best Piastri could achieve by the end of the race. Yet, I’m sure he’s just glad he managed to get some racing laps in. For Lando Norris, P5 was the best he could do while battling it out with Lewis Hamilton.
It was double points for McLaren for the first time this season, compared to China, where they were unfortunate enough not to see the formation lap. I’d say that’s a job well done for the papaya boys. As we head into a five-week break before the Miami Grand Prix, just remember, Antonelli is ready to fight at the front, and McLaren is not giving up!
Read more Formula 1 here:
- Superb In Suzuka: Kimi Antonelli Takes The Championship Lead And Rewrites History!
- FIA release statement after Bearman crash at Japanese GP
- Who finished where at 2026 Japanese Grand Prix?
- Oliver Bearman suffers ‘knee contusion’ after 50G Japanese GP impact
- Antonelli becomes youngest F1 leader with Japanese Grand Prix win
- Alexander Albon avoids punishment for causing collision at Japan GP
Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep up with the latest news from ApexMotorsports.co.uk!
The ApexMotorsports.co.uk Team brings together the voices of our writers and contributors covering the latest stories from across the motorsport world. From race analysis and breaking news to opinion and event coverage, our team provides insight into Formula One, World Rally Championship and other major racing series.
