After weeks of crashes, mechanical problems and “watching F1 from the sidelines”, Oscar Piastri has finally started and completed a 2026 race, finishing second at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday.
Meanwhile, teenager Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest driver in Formula 1 history to lead a world championship, winning the Suzuka race by eight seconds after a dominant drive.
Piastri drove brilliantly with a stunning opening lap, overtaking from third place on the grid to snatch the lead from a pole sitting Antonelli and fellow Mercedes driver George Russell.
The Australian lead for 18 laps and pitted early.
However, a monster crash from Oliver Bearman on lap 22 triggered a yellow flag and safety car, disrupting pitstop strategies and allowing Antonelli to retake the lead.
