Kimi Antonelli won the Japanese GP , taking his second consecutive victory in the Formula 1 world championship after the one two weeks ago in China.
The Italian Mercedes driver , who started from pole position, is the new leader of the standings. Oscar Piastri, second in the McLaren, and Charles Leclerc , in the Ferrari, also finished on the podium.
Antonelli, the first driver under 20 to lead the world championship standings , now holds a nine-point lead over George Russell, who failed to reach the podium, finishing behind Leclerc. Fifth place went to Lando Norris (McLaren) and sixth to Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari). Pierre Gasly (Alpine) took seventh place ahead of Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing), eighth ahead of Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) and Esteban Ocon (Haas), tenth.
"I feel very good. It's too early to think about the championship, but we're on the right track . The start wasn't good, then the safety car helped me, but after that, my pace was incredible," said Kimi Antonelli in his first comments after his victory.
"I need to practice my starts during this month-long break ahead. It's my weak point ," added the 19-year-old from Bologna. "We were very lucky with the safety car. I don't know if it would have been different, but it made my life easier."
“What a car I have,” Antonelli exclaimed on team radio after crossing the finish line.
(Unioneonline/vl)
