Kimi Räikkönen Takes Pole for Mercedes in Japan, With Max Verstappe
In the latest development for Formula 1, Italian rookie Kimi Antonioli secured pole position ahead of teammate George Russell in qualifying sessions leading up to Sunday race on March 28th Suzuka circuit Japan Grand Prix McLaren driver Oscar Piastri finished third while Mercedes continues its early-season dominance over Red Bull.
Key Points
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1Kimi Antonelli secured second consecutive pole positions at the 2026 Japanese GP after beating teammate George Russell.
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2Antonelli's performance served as an early-season title warning to Max Verstappen, who struggled during qualifying alongside Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
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3The Italian teenager achieved his maiden victory in China a fortnight prior while securing top spot on grid at Suzuka by 0.298 seconds.
Perspectives
Kimi Antonelli has secured pole position at Suzuka after outcompeting teammate George Russell and world champion Max Verstappen, marking another composed performance for the Italian teenager.
— (Thenews.com.pk)Antonelli's second straight qualifying success locks in a front-row lockout with his Mercedes team-mate while McLaren finishes third behind him at Suzuka GP
— (Abc.net.au)"Kimi Antonelli served George Russell another title warning by beating British teammate to pole position for Sunday Japanese Grand Prix"
— (Standard.co.uk)