F1 Japanese Grand Prix Qualifying Results: More Mercedes Dominance As McLaren Bounces Back

The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix takes place this weekend at the Suzuka Circuit, and Qualifying delivered more surprises in what's proving to be an unpredictable, divisive Formula 1 season (the new regulations remain a sticking point for fans and drivers alike).

Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli picked up his first pole position and win in China earlier this month, and put on another impressive display today by establishing his dominance over teammate George Russell. There was also a surprise for McLaren fans, as Oscar Piastri—who has failed to start the previous two races—managed to earn third place. 

Reigning Drivers' World Champion Lando Norris is back in fifth, sandwiched between the two Ferrari drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. A snap of oversteer derailed Leclerc's final qualifying lap, which might have seen him beat Russell to second place had it gone to plan.

It was another disastrous weekend for Red Bull and Max Verstappen, as the four-time Drivers' Champion failed to crack the Top 10 and was knocked out during Q2 by Racing Bulls' Arvid Lindblad. He'll start the race in 11th, but teammate Isack Hadjar managed to get eighth-place on the grid.

Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, who secured his second career pole position at Suzuka, said, "I'm super happy with the session, it was a good one, it was a clean one. I felt very good in the car, and every run was improving and improving."

"It was a shame about the last lap because I locked up in Turn 11, but it was a good one as well. Really happy for the session, and I look forward to tomorrow."

"The fans here in Japan are pretty incredible, there's so much passion and racing on such a historic track is an incredible feeling," the 19-year-old added. "The track is unbelievable to drive with these kinds of cars, and the fans give us a little bit of a boost."

Here are the full results from today's Qualifying session ahead of tomorrow morning's Japanese Grand Prix