Kimi Antonelli Is “on a Good Way” to Win 2026 F1 World Championship After Japanese GP Triumph

Mercedes’ Formula One youngster Kimi Antonelli has shared his thoughts on his chances at winning the 2026 championship.

Kimi Antonelli Is “on a Good Way” to Win 2026 F1 World Championship After Japanese GP Triumph

Kimi Antonelli wins at Suzuka (Via @MercedesAMGF1/X)

Mercedes’ teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli had produced another historic run, as he won the 2026 Japanese GP this Sunday, just two weeks after becoming the youngest race winner in history two weeks ago at China. It marked the second ever F1 win for the No:12 racer, while McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished P2 and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc secured P3.

The 19-year-old Italian, who started the race on pole had one of the worst start possible as he was dropped down to P6 by the first turn. The youngster the slowly grinded his way up the track, before he got massive break while he was on the lead after the race ladders pitted. Hass’ Oliver Bearman wrecked out and brough out the safety car.

He had enough lead to pit under SC and still come out ahead of the pack, giving him the advantage on the rolling restart. He took control of the race and never look back, while everyone behind him fought for positions, helping him to finish the race with a massive 13.7s lead on the McLaren.

Talking about the media after the race that saw him becoming the youngest racer ever to lead the championship table, the racer admitted that he is in a good path to become an F1 world champion. Kimi Antonelli highlighted how the safety car got him the luck he required to win after the, the terrible start he had to the race.

It feels pretty good. Of course, it’s still early to think about the championship, but we’re on a good way. In the race, I had a terrible start. I need to check what happened, then I was lucky with the safety car to be in the lead, and the pace after that was just incredible.

Kimi Antonelli said via RN365.

Kimi Antonelli needs to work on his weakness ahead of next race week

In the same conversation later, the driver pointed out that his second stint was miles better than his first stint in the race, which was ruined by the poor restart. If not for the safety car, he wouldn’t have even secured a podium finish, as Oscar Piastri’s McLaren was pretty good.

Kimi Antonelli and George Russell (via BBC)
Kimi Antonelli and George Russell (via BBC)

It was a really nice second stint. I felt very good with the car, and I’m pleased with that. I don’t know what the outcome would have been without the safety car, but it definitely made my life a lot easier.

Kimi Antonelli asserted.

He is determined to avoid such situation in the future, hence has vouched to work on his clutch release in the coming four weeks where there will be no F1 races. The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs were cancelled due to the safety concerns over the ongoing war in the middle east.  

I have a few weeks, so I can practice some clutch drops as it has been a weakness this year.

Kimi Antonelli added.

The youngster has his priority straight for the break and that shows the maturity he has earned already. It would be interesting to see how everything is going to playout for the star racer in the next race week at Miami.

Also Read: Max Verstappen Laments Over “Undrivable” Red Bull After Humbling Japanese GP Qualifying