Mercedes set up for hot Japanese Grand PrixAFPKimi Antonelli takes pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix ahead of team-mate George Russell on Saturday as Mercedes tightened their stranglehold on the new Formula One season. The Silver Arrows have claimed one-two finishes at both grand prix races so far this year and they were again ahead of the field in dry conditions in Suzuka. Mercedes` Andrea Kimi Antonelli, right, celebrates after qualifying in pole position with teammate George Russell, left, in second place. “Super-happy with the session, it was a good one, it was a clean one,” said Antonelli, who won in Shanghai for his maiden grand prix victory. Max Verstappen, who has won the Japanese Grand Prix for the past four years, dropped out in Q2 and starts 11th on the grid.

Source: Taipei Times March 28, 2026 17:13 UTC