After weeks of crashes, mechanical problems and “watching F1 from the sidelines”, Oscar Piastri has finally started and completed a 2026 race, finishing second at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday.
Meanwhile, teenager Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest driver in Formula 1 history to lead a world championship, winning the Suzuka race by eight seconds after a dominant drive, with Ferrari Charles Leclerc nabbing their place.
Oscar Piastri has finished second at the Japanese Grand Prix AP
Piastri drove brilliantly with a stunning opening lap, overtaking from third place on the grid to snatch the lead from a pole sitting Antonelli and fellow Mercedes driver George Russell.
The Australian lead for 18 laps and pitted early, followed by George Russell who pitted on lap 21. However, a monster crash from Oliver Bearman on lap 22 triggered a yellow flag and safety car, disrupting pitstop strategies and allowing Antonelli to retake the lead.
Despite the chaos, crashes and safety car, Piastri managed to hold on to second place, defending against a resurging Ferrari to nab a podium.
“Wow it turns out when we start these things, we’re pretty good,” Piastri joked over the radio. “Well done everybody, that was a great weekend.. we deserve that so thank you, let’s find some more pace.”