Kimi Antonelli Secures Pole at 2026 Japanese GP
Kimi Antonelli proved impossible to beat in Qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, edging out his Mercedes team mate George Russell in the battle for pole position.
Kimi Antonelli was untouchable in qualifying at Suzuka, taking pole for the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix and narrowly edging out Mercedes team mate George Russell.
Fresh from becoming Formula 1’s youngest-ever polesitter in China, the Italian produced another impressive run, setting a 1:28.778 lap to deny Russell by 0.298 seconds. Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc had shown strong pace through Q1 and Q2, but Antonelli’s first flying lap in Q3 proved decisive and topped the order.
He’ll aim to carry that momentum into Sunday and turn pole into a second win this season — a realistic target at Suzuka, where starting up front has historically been a big advantage. Hit the video player above to watch Antonelli’s onboard pole lap.
Sports World Zone Staff
Writing on Formula 1