New Delhi, March 29 -- Kimi Antonelli has taken control of the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship after a commanding victory at the Japanese Grand Prix. The 19-year-old Mercedes driver now sits top of the standings with 72 points, nine points clear of teammate George Russell, following his second consecutive win at Suzuka Circuit on March 29.

Antonelli converted pole position into a dominant performance, finishing 13.722 seconds ahead of McLaren's Oscar Piastri in second place. Charles Leclerc completed the podium in third for Ferrari. The result marks a significant shift in the title race, with Antonelli becoming the youngest driver in F1 history to lead the championship.

The race began with Oscar Piastri making a sensational start t...