Antonelli says Suzuka win made F1 title feel possible

After clinching his maiden Formula 1 title in Mexico, Kimi Antonelli identified the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka as the race that gave him extra belief he could become champion. The win put him in the championship lead for the first time.

“China was the start of everything, but Suzuka was the first turning point because it was when I started to lead the championship,” Antonelli said. His maiden grand prix victory had come in China two weeks earlier. Suzuka was round three of the season, in March.

A timely safety car helped Antonelli overcome Mercedes team-mate George Russell and Oscar Piastri for victory. He took a nine-point advantage over Russell, the previous championship leader, during a five-race winning run. Antonelli led the standings from round three onward.

Antonelli later credited the season’s consistency: when things looked rough, he said, he and the team still managed a decent result and limited the damage. By the time he clinched the title, he had nine wins and 16 podiums, with four rounds still to come.