The starting grid for the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix

For the second time in as many Grands Prix, Kimi Antonelli managed to outqualify his teammate George Russell. Starting from pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, the Italian driver showed no signs of nerves, remaining unflappable unlike his teammate, who had clearly opted for an unsuitable setup. He will take advantage of his lead before the first corner, but will, as usual, have to keep a close eye on those behind him.

Because in addition to Russell's presence, Oscar piastri managed to achieve the third fastest time, notably slotting in ahead of the usual Ferraris. The Australian, who has yet to complete a single lap in a Grand Prix this year, will try to break his streak at Suzuka this Sunday, March 29th. He himself will have to be wary of Charles Leclerc, fourth on the grid, and potentially dangerous ahead of a start that still needs to be monitored on the side of the Team. Lando Norris et Lewis Hamilton They, for their part, occupy the third row, and could well benefit from the consequences of a tumultuous start.

Among the pleasant surprises, the fourth row is in this case monopolized by the French. Pierre Gasly seventh managed to confirm the expectations placed on Alpine after the Chinese Grand Prix, while Isack Hadjar surpassed his opponents. Max Verstappen For the second time in three appearances. His third consecutive appearance in Q3. Eleventh, Max Verstappen just edged out Esteban Ocon Indeed, 12th on this grid.

Furthermore, whileAston Martin While Cadillac retains its unfortunate last-place positions on the grid, Audi confirms genuine progress at this stage. Ninth-placed Gabriel Bortoleto could well spring a surprise, while Nico Hulkenberg, 13th, will have to contain Franco Colapinto and Liam Lawson behind him.

ALSO READ > Japanese Grand Prix: Kimi Antonelli takes pole position, Max Verstappen only 11th

F1 – Japanese Grand Prix
The starting grid

1) 🇮🇹 Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes Benz)
2) 🇬🇧 George Russell (Mercedes)

3) 🇦🇺 Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
4) 🇲🇨 Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

5) 🇬🇧 Lando Norris (McLaren)
6) 🇬🇧 Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

7) 🇫🇷 Pierre Gasly
8) 🇫🇷 Isack Hadjar

9) 🇧🇷 Gabriel Bortoleto
10) 🇬🇧 Arvid Lindblad

11) 🇳🇱 Max Verstappen
12) 🇫🇷 Esteban Ocon

13) 🇩🇪 Nico Hülkenberg
14) 🇦🇷 Franco Colapinto

15) 🇳🇿 Liam Lawson
16) 🇪🇸 Carlos Sainz

17) 🇹🇭 Alexander albon
18) 🇬🇧 Oliver Bearman

19) 🇲🇽 Sergio Pérez
20) 🇫🇮 Valtteri Bottas

21) 🇪🇸 Fernando Alonso
22) 🇨🇦 Lance stroll