Round 3 of the 2026 F1 season has been completed at the Japanese GP at the Suzuka Circuit, view the full standings here.
Piastri taking the lead at the start
Starting from P3, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri made a superb launch to overtake both Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, taking the lead on the opening lap. Piastri and Russell then traded positions in an early battle for the lead, while Leclerc, Norris and Antonelli fought closely for the final podium place.
Bearman crashes out
While running behind Colapinto, Bearman approached with a significant closing speed and was forced onto the grass to avoid contact, leaving him a passenger in his own car before crashing into the wall at 50G impact, and bringing out the Safety Car.
Russell had pitted just one lap before the incident, missing the advantage of a Safety Car stop. In contrast, Antonelli capitalised by pitting under the Safety Car, allowing him to cycle back into the race lead.
Antonelli claims his second F1 race win; youngest Drivers’ Championship leader
Antonelli became the youngest-ever Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship leader after winning the Japanese Grand Prix. Piastri recorded his best result of the 2026 F1 season, while Leclerc finished P3 to complete the podium.
Russell, Norris, Hamilton, Gasly, Verstappen, Lawson and Ocon rounded out the points-paying positions.
2026 F1 Drivers’ Championship standings after the Japanese GP
- Antonelli 72
- Russell 63
- Leclerc 49
- Hamilton 41
- Norris 25
- Piastri 21
- Bearman 17
- Gasly 15
- Verstappen 12
- Lawson 10
- Lindblad 4
- Hadjar 4
- Bortoleto 2
- Sainz 2
- Colapinto 1
- Ocon 1
- Albon 0
- Pérez 0
- Stroll 0
- Alonso 0
- Bottas 0
- Hülkenberg 0
2026 F1 Constructors’ Championship standings after the Japanese GP
- Mercedes 135
- Ferrari 90
- McLaren 46
- Haas 18
- Red Bull 16
- Alpine 16
- Racing Bulls 15
- Audi 2
- Williams 1
- Cadillac 0
- Aston Martin 0
