Kimi Antonelli Claims Consecutive Pole at F1 Japanese GP Suzuka
Kimi Antonelli took pole at Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix. It is his second career pole and his second in succession.
Session overview
Antonelli led a strong showing for Mercedes’ George Russell during qualifying. He was faster than Russell in both recent practice sessions and across qualifying runs.
Q1 highlights
Ferrari and Mercedes topped the early order, with McLaren close behind. Williams, Cadillac and Aston Martin found themselves in the drop zone with five minutes left.
Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon managed late improvements. Sainz climbed to 15th, while Oliver Bearman exited in 18th. Bearman sits remarkably fifth in the drivers’ championship.
Q2 drama
Oscar Piastri initially set the benchmark in Q2, holding a three-tenths lead over Mercedes. Charles Leclerc and then Antonelli went faster as the session progressed.
Gabriel Bortoleto and Pierre Gasly established themselves among the top-10 midfielders. Nico Hulkenberg had earlier topped the midfield in Free Practice 3.
A late lap by Arvid Lindblad put him tenth and eliminated Max Verstappen. Verstappen reported severe balance issues over the radio, saying the car became undriveable and the rear started jumping at high speed.
Q3 and the pole lap
Antonelli set the weekend’s first 1m28s lap, a 1:28.778. Russell posted a 1:29.076, roughly three tenths slower.
McLaren outperformed Ferrari in the final runs, with Oscar Piastri ahead of teammate Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc. Lewis Hamilton completed the top six.
Top-10 starting order
| Position | Driver |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kimi Antonelli |
| 2 | George Russell |
| 3 | Oscar Piastri |
| 4 | Lando Norris |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc |
| 6 | Lewis Hamilton |
| 7 | Pierre Gasly |
| 8 | Isack Hadjar |
| 9 | Gabriel Bortoleto |
| 10 | Arvid Lindblad |
Notable margins and struggles
Antonelli was about six tenths quicker than Russell in Q2 and around three tenths quicker in Q3. Isack Hadjar finished roughly 1.2 seconds off pole pace in Q3.
Aston Martin endured a difficult day, occupying 21st and 22nd and running about three seconds slower than the leaders. That placed them well off the pace at Honda’s home circuit.
What this means for the race
Antonelli’s consecutive pole positions confirm his strong qualifying form this year. Expect a tight battle at the front tomorrow, with strategy and starts crucial at Suzuka.
Filmogaz.com will follow the race weekend and provide updates on any further developments. Kimi Antonelli claims consecutive pole status in F1 Japanese GP Suzuka heading into Sunday.
