2026 F1 Japanese Grand Prix: Qualifying Results Revealed
Kimi Antonelli secured pole for the Japanese Grand Prix with a lap of 1m 28.877. He continued his strong run of form with consecutive poles after Shanghai.
Qualifying summary
Mercedes completed a one-two in qualifying, with Antonelli leading the way. A second Mercedes driver took the front-row alongside him.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri will start third. Charles Leclerc claimed fourth place on the grid.
Top positions
| Position | Driver | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kimi Antonelli | 1m 28.877 |
| 2 | Mercedes team-mate | Front-row |
| 3 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 4 | Charles Leclerc | Second row |
| 5 | Lando Norris | Reigning world champion |
| 6 | Lewis Hamilton | Sixth on the grid |
| 11 | Max Verstappen | Eliminated in Q2 |
Surprise elimination
Max Verstappen failed to reach Q3. He set the 11th-fastest time and exited in Q2.
The result was an unexpected shock in the second phase of qualifying.
Race outlook
Grid positions now shape race strategies for the 2026 F1 Japanese Grand Prix. Teams will adapt tyre plans and overtaking approaches accordingly.
Filmogaz.com will monitor developments and update readers with full qualifying results and race coverage.
