Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli continued is sensational start to the new campaign after he won the Japanese Grand Prix for Mercedes.

Starting from pole position, Antonelli endured a poor getaway and dropped to sixth on the opening lap as Oscar Piastri surged into the lead ahead of Charles Leclerc. However, the race turned on a crucial moment midway through when a heavy crash involving Oliver Bearman triggered a Safety Car. Antonelli capitalised perfectly, making a well-timed pit stop that vaulted him into the lead. From there, he controlled the race with composure beyond his years, eventually finishing over 13 seconds clear of Piastri, with Leclerc completing the podium.

The victory marked Antonelli’s second consecutive win and made him the youngest driver in Formula One history to lead the World Championship at just 19 years old. His rise has been remarkable, combining raw speed with race intelligence and an ability to seize opportunities under pressure—qualities typically associated with seasoned champions.

Given this trajectory, Antonelli’s chances of becoming the youngest world champion are increasingly realistic. Driving for a dominant Mercedes team and already holding a points advantage over teammate George Russell, he has both the machinery and momentum required for a title challenge. Crucially, his calmness in high-pressure situations, as seen at Suzuka, suggests a maturity that belies his age.