Antonelli Sets Pace in Final Practice Ahead of Japanese GP

Kimi Antonelli topped the timesheets in final practice for the Japanese Grand Prix, leading team mate George Russell as Mercedes continued their impressive form in 2026.

The Italian clocked a 1:29.362, finishing nearly three tenths clear of Russell and more than eight tenths ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in third.

The one-hour session at Suzuka offered teams a final opportunity to refine setups before qualifying, though early running was limited, with most drivers heading out after the opening 15 minutes. Lewis Hamilton initially set the pace on soft tyres before Leclerc edged ahead.

Lando Norris endured a disrupted session, with ongoing ERS issues keeping his McLaren in the garage until the closing stages. His eventual run left him down the order.

Antonelli was the first to break into the 1:30s and later the 1:29s, trading fastest laps with Russell before securing top spot with his final effort.

Leclerc remained best of the rest in third, followed by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. Hamilton and Norris were fifth and sixth respectively, with Norris more than a second off the pace.

Nico Hulkenberg, Max Verstappen, Gabriel Bortoleto and Pierre Gasly completed the top 10. Further back, several drivers experienced minor incidents, including Sergio Perez, who ran through the gravel, while Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso struggled for pace at the rear.

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