Drivers' Standings: Antonelli writes history with commanding win in Japanese GP

Photo: Race Pictures

Updated: 09:07, 29 Mar

Samson Ero is a Formula 1 editor at GPblog with seven years’ experience in sports media. He covers key paddock developments, offering analysis on drivers, teams, and performance trends, with work featured on leading platforms.

Kimi Antonelli made history by seizing the top spot in the drivers’ championship after a stunning victory at the Japanese Grand Prix.

The Mercedes star, who claimed his maiden win just last time out at the Chinese Grand Prix, made it back-to-back triumphs with a commanding performance in Japan.

At just 19 years and 216 days, Antonelli became the youngest driver ever to lead the championship, an incredible two years and 274 days younger than Lewis Hamilton when he first topped the standings.

Entering Suzuka five points behind teammate George Russell, Antonelli’s win propelled him into the championship lead, now holding a nine-point advantage over Russell. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc strengthened his grip on third place with another podium for Scuderia Ferrari.

Other drivers also made significant gains: Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri, who secured crucial points with his second-place finish, all climbed the championship order.

Full drivers’ standings

F1 Standings 2026

Pos.	Driver	Team	Points
1	Kimi Antonelli Kimi Antonelli	MercedesMER	219
2	Lewis Hamilton Lewis Hamilton	FerrariFER	169
3	George Russell George Russell	MercedesMER	160
4	Charles Leclerc Charles Leclerc	FerrariFER	138
5	Lando Norris Lando Norris	McLarenMCL	128
6	Max Verstappen Max Verstappen	Red Bull RacingRBR	109
7	Oscar Piastri Oscar Piastri	McLarenMCL	92
8	Isack Hadjar Isack Hadjar	Red Bull RacingRBR	68
9	Liam Lawson Liam Lawson	Racing BullsRCB	43
10	Pierre Gasly Pierre Gasly	AlpineALP	42
11	Arvid Lindblad Arvid Lindblad	Racing BullsRCB	23
12	Franco Colapinto Franco Colapinto	AlpineALP	19
13	Oliver Bearman Oliver Bearman	HaasHAA	18
14	Gabriel Bortoleto Gabriel Bortoleto	AudiAUD	10
15	Carlos Sainz Carlos Sainz	WilliamsWIL	6
16	Alexander Albon Alexander Albon	WilliamsWIL	5
17	Esteban Ocon Esteban Ocon	HaasHAA	3
18	Nico Hulkenberg Nico Hulkenberg	AudiAUD	2
19	Fernando Alonso Fernando Alonso	Aston MartinAST	1
20	Lance Stroll Lance Stroll	Aston MartinAST	0
21	Valtteri Bottas Valtteri Bottas	CadillacCAD	0
22	Sergio Perez Sergio Perez	CadillacCAD	0

Show Full Standings

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