dailyloe.com – Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli won the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka on Sunday. The 18-year-old rookie secured his second career Formula 1 victory. He achieved this after starting the race from fifth position on the grid.
The race was marked by significant incidents and technical complaints. Haas driver Oliver Bearman was involved in a crash but walked away unharmed. Multiple drivers lamented a noticeable loss of top speed on the iconic circuit.
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen expressed deep frustration after a Q2 qualifying exit. He stated Red Bull is facing ‘big problems’ with its 2026 car. Teammate Sergio Perez also struggled with the car’s performance throughout the weekend.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc criticized qualifying rules after an energy loss issue. He stated he ‘can’t stand’ the current regulations following the session. This adds to a season of vocal complaints from drivers about new technical rules.
Verstappen has been particularly vocal about his dissatisfaction this season. He suggested it was ‘a bit late’ to make meaningful changes now. His comments contrast with Lewis Hamilton’s view that F1 is currently at its ‘best’.
Antonelli’s win marks his second consecutive pole position and victory. He previously took pole in Japan and converted it to a win. His performance signals a strong challenge from the Mercedes rookie team.
The 2026 season continues to be defined by team adaptation to new regulations. Aston Martin also faces scrutiny with reports Adrian Newey may step down. Honda’s reliability issues have also raised safety concerns for its drivers.
The result shakes up the early 2026 championship standings significantly. Antonelli’s win proves the competitiveness of the new regulatory era. The F1 circus now looks ahead to the next round with technical woes unresolved for top teams.[]
Source: ESPN
