Mercedes lock out front row as Antonelli storms to Suzuka pole
Rising star Kimi Antonelli delivered another statement performance in qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, securing pole position with a blistering lap of 1:28.778. The Mercedes driver now has back-to-back poles, underlining his rapid emergence as a genuine front-runner in the 2026 season.
He will line up alongside team-mate George Russell, who completed a dominant front-row lockout for Mercedes despite voicing concerns over his car balance throughout the session.
Behind them, Oscar Piastri impressed once again to take third for McLaren, narrowly ahead of Charles Leclerc in fourth for Ferrari.
Hamilton on third row as Ferrari hopes fade
It was a more challenging session for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who could only manage sixth place, lining up behind Lando Norris in fifth. With overtaking traditionally difficult at Suzuka, Ferrari may find it tough to convert race pace into a victory challenge from the third row.
Verstappen shock exit in Q2
The biggest surprise came in Q2, where reigning champion Max Verstappen was eliminated and will start 11th. The Red Bull Racing driver struggled throughout the session and described his car as “completely undrivable” over team radio.
Adding to his frustration, Verstappen was outqualified again by team-mate Isack Hadjar, continuing a difficult start to the season for the Dutchman.
Full Qualifying Results – Japanese Grand Prix 2026
1. Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes – 1:28.778
2. George Russell – Mercedes +0.298s
3. Oscar Piastri – McLaren +0.354s
4. Charles Leclerc – Ferrari +0.627s
5. Lando Norris – McLaren +0.631s
6. Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari +0.789s
7. Pierre Gasly – Alpine +0.913s
8. Isack Hadjar – Red Bull +1.200s
9. Gabriel Bortoleto – Audi +1.496s
10. Arvid Lindblad – Racing Bulls +1.541s
Eliminated in Q2:
11. Max Verstappen – Red Bull
12. Esteban Ocon – Haas F1 Team
13. Nico Hulkenberg – Audi
14. Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls
15. Franco Colapinto – Alpine
16. Carlos Sainz Jr. – Williams Racing
Eliminated in Q1:
17. Alex Albon – Williams
18. Oliver Bearman – Haas
19. Sergio Perez – Cadillac
20. Valtteri Bottas – Cadillac
21. Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin
22. Lance Stroll – Aston Martin
2026 qualifying format tweaks
This season introduces subtle but important qualifying changes. With the grid expanded to 22 cars, six drivers are now eliminated in both Q1 and Q2, while Q3 remains a 10-car shootout. Additionally, the final session has been extended to 13 minutes, giving teams slightly more flexibility in their run plans.
Mercedes’ commanding performance sets up a potentially decisive race on Sunday—but with strategy, tyre degradation, and Suzuka’s high-speed demands in play, the fight is far from settled.