For Kimi Antonelli, it was a race to remember. The young Mercedes driver impressed with his performance, managing to extend his first stint impressively and even becoming the youngest driver in F1 history to lead a Grand Prix.
Antonelli’s pace on the Medium tyres was particularly strong, and once he switched to the Hard compound, he maintained his consistency, setting a blistering 1:30.965 lap, which earned him the fastest lap of the race. The 18-year-old also closed the gap to the battle between Leclerc and Russell, although he ran out of time to make any significant moves.
Reflecting on his race, Kimi expressed satisfaction with his progress. “Once I got in free air, the pace really improved, and I was able to extend my stint on the Medium tyre,” said Antonelli. “It was a good feeling. Leading the race for a few laps was a nice achievement, and it feels special to become the youngest driver to have done that. My next goal is to lead on the only lap that matters—the last one!”
Overall, the weekend was a positive one for Antonelli. As he continues to learn and adapt to the W16, he’s growing more comfortable in the car. “Every time I get in the car, I am building my learning and feeling more comfortable,” he added. “I’m excited to head to Bahrain, and I’m confident that we can continue improving and fight for higher positions next time.”
Looking Ahead: Bahrain Awaits
While the Japanese Grand Prix saw both drivers perform admirably in a race with limited overtaking opportunities, all eyes now turn to Bahrain. The desert circuit offers a completely different challenge, with its heat and abrasive tarmac providing a unique test for teams and drivers alike. As both Russell and Antonelli look to bounce back from Suzuka, Bahrain presents a fresh opportunity to build on their strengths and make further progress.
