Kimi Antonelli Becomes Youngest F1 Championship Leader at 19

Mercedes driver ‌Kimi Antonelli won the ​Japanese Grand ⁠Prix on Sunday to clinch his second straight Formula ‌One victory and become the ‌youngest-ever championship leader.

The ‌19-year-old ⁠Italian, who had ⁠started from pole but quickly dropped back to ​sixth, crossed ‌the line 13.7 seconds clear of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri with Ferrari’s ‌Charles Leclerc completing ​the podium.

Antonelli’s teammate George Russell crossed ⁠the line fourth with world champion Lando ‌Norris fifth in the other McLaren ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton.

Antonelli’s Suzuka win gave him ‌a nine-point lead over ​Russell in the overall standings.
Haas driver Oliver ⁠Bearman was given the ⁠all-clear by doctors after limping ‌away from a high-speed crash.

Max Verstappen of Red Bull finished eighth.