Kimi Antonelli made history in Japan. He became the youngest driver ever to lead the world championship.
The 19-year-old Italian also won the race. It was his second win in a row. He now leads the standings by nine points. His victory came after a dramatic moment changed the race.
Antonelli had not made his pit stop when the key incident happened. His main rivals, Oscar Piastri and George Russell, had already stopped.
Then Oliver Bearman crashed. The Haas driver lost control and hit the barrier hard. The safety car came out. That helped Antonelli. He made his stop under caution and kept the lead.
Russell was frustrated. He finished fourth and said “unbelievable” on the radio when he realised Antonelli would beat him again.
Before the crash, the fight was close. Antonelli had a slow start and dropped back. Piastri took the lead early. Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris also moved ahead of Russell.
Russell recovered well. He passed Norris and Leclerc and chased Piastri. He even took the lead for a short time, but Piastri took it back.
Piastri looked set for victory. He told his team he could hold on if he stayed ahead during the pit stops.
Leclerc stopped first. Piastri followed. Russell came in later. Piastri stayed ahead after the stops.
Antonelli stayed out longer and moved into the lead. Then the race turned. On lap 22, Bearman tried to pass Franco Colapinto near Spoon Curve. Colapinto moved toward the middle. Bearman went onto the grass, lost control, and crashed.
He got out slowly and was taken to the medical centre. He had a knee injury but was later released. The safety car decided the race.
Piastri lost a strong chance to win. He still finished second. It was his first podium of the season after missing the first two races.
Leclerc took third. Russell finished fourth. Antonelli took the win and made history at the same time.
