A history-making race win with a change in championship lead - here’s how all the drivers performed at the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix. 

A mid-race safety car undoubtedly altered the outcome of the Japanese Grand Prix, but whose luck was in - and whose was out?

A dominant lion questions retirement, a Mercedes is left off the podium and a former championship contender finds his way back to the podium after missing the first two races of the season. Here are DIVEBOMB’s five key takeaways from the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix.

The four-time world champion Max Verstappen is reportedly considering retirement at the end of the season.

Written by Kavi Khandelwal The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix was a race of strategic mirrors and high-speed deception for Charles Leclerc. While the Ferrari driver secured a hard-fought third place, the result was forged through a battle with George Russell that extended far beyond the cockpit. In an era where the 2026 power units have made every joule of energy a tactical weapon, Leclerc’s podium was the result of out-thinking the Mercedes pit wall. Credit: Formula One The race t

Gasly fends off Verstappen in tense Suzuka battle, showcasing Alpine’s pace and precision under 2026 energy rules to secure P7 finish in Japan

Bearman survives 50G Suzuka crash as 2026 energy rules create massive speed delta, raising urgent safety concerns over F1 power regulations.

Kimi Antonelli took a dominant win at the Japanese Grand Prix after benefitting from a Safety Car, becoming the youngest championship leader with his second consecutive victory. Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc complete the podium with George Russell settling for fourth.

The Mercedes pair will go head-to-head for the win once more, while Oscar Piastri is chasing McLaren’s first podium of the season against the threat of both Ferrari drivers. Here’s everything to look out for in the 2026 Formula One Japanese Grand Prix.

Mercedes lock out the front row at Suzuka as Antonelli takes pole, while Russell battles setup issues that leave him chasing answers ahead of the race.

Leclerc extracts maximum pace at Suzuka, but Ferrari’s Q3 system struggles cost straight-line speed, leaving him chasing faster rivals on race day.

Norris overcomes limited laps and reliability issues to secure a strong grid slot at Suzuka, but heads into the race lacking data and confidence.

Verstappen lines up P11 at Suzuka as RB22 balance issues worsen, exposing deeper Red Bull problems and forcing a damage-limitation race strategy.

Kimi Antonelli took a second consecutive pole in Japan with George Russell making it a Mercedes 1-2 despite struggling throughout the session, while Oscar Piastri completes the top three for the Japanese Grand Prix's starting grid.

Filled with action, the final hour of practice in Suzuka saw Antonelli at the top of the timesheets ahead of an all-important qualifying session in Japan.

The second practice hour in Suzuka saw Oscar Piastri top the timesheets ahead of the Mercedes pair, in a session that once again saw reliability issues curb running for several drivers on the grid.

Suzuka opens with tight margins, upgrades, spins, and Russell leading a closely packed field as teams battle early setup and reliability issues.

Audi faces a shocking shake-up as Wheatley exits. But was his departure pre-determined? Gabriel Bortoleto reveals his insight.

Mercedes leads, but Ferrari’s Leclerc eyes possible upgrades and twisting track gains. Can the silver arrows be challenged in Japan?

After a gripping double header to kickstart the new season, Formula One is staying in Asia, to visit one of the greatest tracks of them all.