Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli will start the Japanese Grand Prix from pole position after setting the fastest time in qualifying at the Suzuka Circuit. His teammate George Russell qualified second, securing a front-row lockout for the team.
The result marks a second consecutive pole position for the 19-year-old Italian rookie, who also started from the front in the previous Chinese Grand Prix. The qualifying session was held under dry conditions on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri qualified third, ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and the second McLaren of Lando Norris. Red Bull's Max Verstappen, a three-time world champion, could only manage sixth on the grid.
The pole position strengthens Antonelli's impressive start to his debut Formula 1 season with Mercedes. The main race is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, at the Suzuka International Racing Course.
