Antonelli wins japanese grand prix, becomes youngest f1 world leader

Kimi Antonelli's remarkable drive to victory in the Japanese Grand Prix has catapulted the 19-year-old to the top of the Formula One world championship, making him the youngest driver to lead the series.

Unstoppable mercedes dominance

In a thrilling contest, Antonelli's Mercedes team-mate George Russell's title hopes suffered a blow as he finished fourth, nine points adrift of the Italian teenager. The McLaren duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris impressed with their best performance of the season, but ultimately finished second and fifth respectively.

Antonelli's path to victory was aided by a safety car intervention, allowing him a free pit stop after Oliver Bearman's crash from which the British driver emerged largely unscathed but injured.

With the safety car deployed, Antonelli seized the opportunity to refuel and overtake Piastri for the lead, a position he never relinquished. He crossed the line 13 seconds ahead of Piastri, showcasing the Mercedes' dominance when given the chance to run in clean air.

Russell's fourth place undermined his title ambitions, while Max Verstappen, struggling with a difficult car all weekend, could only manage eighth place.

Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson and Esteban Ocon completed the top ten for Alpine, Racing Bulls and Haas respectively.