Race Notes | 2026 Japanese Grand Prix | 168 | Antonelli Makes History, Red Bull Loses the Script & A Safety Crisis No One Can Ignore

Kimi Antonelli is nineteen years old, has won two consecutive Grands Prix, and now leads the 2026 Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship. History is being made in real time -- and Suzuka raised as many questions as it answered.

George Russell had a day that had nothing to do with pace. Max Verstappen could not get past Pierre Gasly. His teammate called the car terrible. Oscar Piastri finally made a race start, took the lead off the line, and reminded everyone what the reigning champions are capable of when the car finishes.

And then there is the crash that cannot be treated as a footnote. Ollie Bearman hit the wall at Spoon Curve at 50G. The drivers had warned the FIA about exactly this scenario on Friday. Dick and Sabrina are not letting that sit.

Three races in. Five weeks until Miami. This is where the 2026 season gets complicated.

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