Kimi Antonelli claimed victory at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, becoming the youngest driver ever to top the Formula One standings.
The 19-year-old Italian crossed the finish line a commanding 14.5 seconds ahead of his nearest rival to secure consecutive triumphs following his breakthrough win in China a fortnight earlier.
Starting from pole position, the Mercedes driver suffered a disastrous getaway, plummeting to sixth place within the opening seconds as excessive wheelspin allowed Oscar Piastri to surge from third into the lead before the first corner.
Yet Antonelli’s remarkable recovery saw him emerge victorious and seize the championship lead from teammate George Russell.
The British driver had attempted to pass Franco Colapinto’s Alpine on the inside but veered onto the grass, losing control and crashing heavily into the wall with an impact measured at 50g.
Bearman limped away from the wreckage with assistance from marshals, later confirmed to have sustained a right knee contusion but no fractures.
The safety car deployment proved catastrophic for those who had already pitted, particularly Piastri and Russell.
Kimi Antonelli claimed victory at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday
|
GETTY
Mercedes had brought Russell in just moments before the incident, prompting an exasperated “Unbelievable!” over team radio.
Antonelli, meanwhile, pitted under caution and emerged in first place, the reduced time loss during safety car periods working entirely in his favour.
Speaking over team radio after taking the chequered flag, Antonelli was jubilant but candid about the circumstances of his triumph.
He said: “Wahoo, yes man! Let’s go man. I was lucky with the Safety Car but the pace was unbelievable at the end. Thanks to the boys and girls at Brackley and Brixworth. What a car. Thank you so much.”
Kimi Antonelli became the youngest driver ever to top the Formula One standings
|
GETTY
His journey back through the pack had begun immediately, overtaking Lewis Hamilton on the second lap to climb to fifth.
By lap 12, he had dispatched Lando Norris at the final chicane, moving into fourth.
The teenager then engaged in a fierce duel with Charles Leclerc, briefly seizing third before the Ferrari driver reclaimed the position down the main straight.
Once in clean air following the restart, Antonelli’s pace proved untouchable.
Kimi Antonelli secured consecutive triumphs following his breakthrough win in China a fortnight earlier
|
GETTY
Piastri secured second place, completing his first grand prix of the season after failing to start either of the opening two races.
The Australian had looked set for victory while leading the early stages but was left frustrated by the safety car timing that cost him dearly.
Leclerc fended off a determined Russell to claim the final podium spot, the pair exchanging positions multiple times in the closing laps.
Russell dived inside at the chicane on lap 51, only for the Ferrari driver to sweep around the outside at turn one to reclaim third.
Norris eventually got the better of Hamilton to finish fifth, with the seven-time world champion dropping from a podium position to sixth after being overtaken by both Russell and Leclerc in quick succession.
