Kimi Antonelli reached a brand new milestone on the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix, turning into the youngest championship chief in Method 1’s historical past. F1 TV pundit Alex Brundle recommended the Italian driver’s “great efficiency” through the race on the Suzuka circuit.
Antonelli arrived in Japan on the again of his maiden F1 victory on the Chinese language Grand Prix, the place he turned the second-youngest driver to win a grand prix.
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He went on to safe pole place for the Japanese Grand Prix, however after struggling wheelspin firstly of the race moved him to sixth, he had a problem on his arms to recuperate. He started to climb his method again to the entrance of the grid by overtaking and and was then in a position to capitalise on the protection automobile, which was deployed after Oliver Bearman’s crash on lap 22.
Taking the lead after a pitstop underneath the protection automobile, he maintained his place till the chequered flag.
“It was an awesome race to look at, from begin to end,” Brundle informed F1 TV.
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“Lots of battling all the way in which to the flag. Great efficiency from Kimi Antonelli. Though he benefited from the protection automobile, he nonetheless demonstrated race-winning tempo all through.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
“It is so clear, although, that wants clear air. The pace it confirmed in clear air was completely monumental, but it surely’s so robust for them to get by way of the site visitors, and I feel we noticed that in the present day.”
Discussing Antonelli’s milestone because the youngest championship chief, Brundle added: “They get youthful and youthful. Mercedes have backed him for numerous years. We all know how a lot help he has from Toto Wolff and that Mercedes group.
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“They’ve actually nurtured him, they usually’ll be massively glad to take him by way of to this second. Nevertheless it regarded each bit the assured efficiency. Like I say, he took the advantage of the protection automobile, however nonetheless managed to ship the tempo to the flag.”
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