Aussie Oscar Piastri starts in third with Mercedes teen prodigy on pole again

After weeks of crashes, mechanical problems and “watching F1 from the sidelines”, Oscar Piastri finally started and completed the 2026 race, finishing second in the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday.

Meanwhile, teenager Kimi Antonelli became the youngest driver in Formula One history to lead the world championship by winning the Suzuka race by eight seconds after a dominant drive, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc taking their place.

Piastri drove brilliantly with a superb opening lap and moved from third on the grid to take the lead behind Antonelli and fellow Mercedes driver George Russell.

The Australian leader led for 18 laps and pitted early, followed by George Russell, who pitted on lap 21. However, a monster crash by Oliver Bearman on lap 22 triggered a yellow flag and safety car, disrupting their pitstop strategy and allowing Antonelli to retake the lead.

Despite the chaos, crashes and the safety car, Piastri managed to retain second place and defend against a resurgent Ferrari to take the podium.

“Wow, it turns out we’re pretty good when we start this stuff,” Piastri joked on the radio. “Well done everyone, it was a great weekend.. we deserve it, thank you, let’s find some more speed.”