Standings after Japanese GP: Antonelli leads championship

Kimi Antonelli moved into the lead of the 2026 Formula 1 drivers’ championship after victory at Suzuka, becoming the youngest championship leader in F1 history and the first Italian to top the standings since 2005.

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After three rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 season, the championship lead has changed hands. Following his victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli now leads the drivers’ standings.

The 19-year-old becomes the youngest championship leader in Formula 1 history, beating the previous record by almost three years. He is also the first Italian driver to lead the standings since Giancarlo Fisichella in 2005. Antonelli now sits on 72 points, nine ahead of his Mercedes team-mate George Russell, who drops to second place with 63 points after leading the standings following the Chinese Grand Prix.

Ferrari remain closest behind, with Charles Leclerc third on 49 points and Lewis Hamilton fourth with 41. Hamilton secured his first podium for Ferrari in China earlier in the season.

Antonelli wins in Suzuka and takes championship lead

F1 Japan 2026 F1 season Andrea Kimi Antonelli F1

McLaren now have both drivers inside the top six, with Lando Norris fifth on 25 points and Oscar Piastri sixth with 21 after scoring 18 points in Japan. Oliver Bearman drops to seventh place with 17 points after his crash at Suzuka. Pierre Gasly is eighth with 15 points for Alpine.

Max Verstappen is ninth with 12 points after a difficult start to the season for Red Bull, while Liam Lawson completes the top ten with 10 points for Racing Bulls.

With Mercedes drivers holding the top two positions, the early championship fight is currently led by the Silver Arrows, with Ferrari following behind after three rounds.

Drivers’ Championship standings after Round 3 (Japan):

1st — Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) — 72 pts
2nd — George Russell (Mercedes) — 63 pts
3rd — Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) — 49 pts
4th — Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) — 41 pts
5th — Lando Norris (McLaren) — 25 pts
6th — Oscar Piastri (McLaren) — 21 pts
7th — Oliver Bearman (Haas) — 17 pts
8th — Pierre Gasly (Alpine) — 15 pts
9th — Max Verstappen (Red Bull) — 12 pts
10th — Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) — 10 pts
11th — Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) — 4 pts
12th — Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) — 4 pts
13th — Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) — 2 pts
14th — Carlos Sainz (Williams) — 2 pts
15th — Esteban Ocon (Haas) — 1 pt
16th — Franco Colapinto (Alpine) — 1 pt
17th — Nico Hülkenberg (Audi) — 0 pts
18th — Alexander Albon (Williams) — 0 pts
19th — Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) — 0 pts
20th — Sergio Pérez (Cadillac) — 0 pts
21st — Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) — 0 pts
22nd — Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) — 0 pts

James Whitaker

James Whitaker is a British sports journalist with a strong focus on Formula 1 and MotoGP. Known for his clear and engaging style, he delivers the latest news and easy-to-follow analysis from the fast-paced world of motorsport. His work aims to make the complexities of racing accessible to both hardcore fans and casual readers alike. Whether covering the drama of a Grand Prix weekend, breaking down technical developments or highlighting standout performances, James brings a passion for racing and a journalist’s eye for detail to every story he tells.