Antonelli clinches pole ahead of Russell in Japan

Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, outperforming his Mercedes teammate George Russell and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. With a lap time of 1:28.778, Antonelli continued his impressive momentum following his previous pole in China. While Russell took second place, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen suffered a shocking Q2 elimination, ending his multi-year pole streak at Suzuka after describing his car as undriveable. The top 10 was rounded out by Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton, Pierre Gasly, Isack Hadjar, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Arvid Lindblad.