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2026 FIA Formula One World Championship
2026 Japanese Grand Prix
Suzuka Circuit
Suzuka City, JapanSunday, 29 March 2026
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli will be looking to build on his exceptional start to the 2026 season at the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29.
The Italian, who is now into his second year in Formula One, has really capitalised on the new technical regulations introduced to the cars in 2026, with the Mercedes W17 head and shoulders above its competitors.
Antonelli claimed the fourth podium of his fledgling career at the Australian Grand Prix after finishing just 2.974 seconds behind team-mate George Russell in P2.
The roles were reversed at the Chinese Grand Prix one week later when the 19-year-old became the youngest polesitter before securing his maiden victory as he held off Russell despite making a late error.
It was the first win for an Italian driver since Giancarlo Fisichella took P1 at the 2006 Malaysian Grand Prix and Antonelli has cast his doubts aside after his remarkable achievement in Shanghai.
"I don't have huge expectations, ultimately, it's just a race like any other on the calendar," he said. "I'm going to Suzuka with a clear idea of what I need to achieve and what I need to do, but without putting too much pressure on myself, because obviously Shanghai went well.
"I'm very happy with this and I know what I can do, but I know it won't be easy, and I'll have to stay focused and not have any more doubts.
"It's once again a track that won't be easy on the battery: there are some points where we'll need to work hard on energy management. We'll need to be on top of things right from the start, because Suzuka will be a tricky track for charging.
"Plus, it's been completely resurfaced, so it'll have a different grip, and according to the forecast, it'll also be cold. The weather will also be an unknown factor, so we can't make any mistakes."
2026 Chinese Grand Prix results
Winner: Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes
Second Place: George Russell - Mercedes
Third Place: Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari
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