03/28/26 02:32:00
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03/28 02:28 CDT Formula 1: Antonelli and Russell 1-2 on the pole for Japanese
Grand Prix
Formula 1: Antonelli and Russell 1-2 on the pole for Japanese Grand Prix
By STEPHEN WADE
AP Sports Writer
SUZUKA, Japan (AP) --- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli took the pole for
Sunday's Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, just two weeks after he led qualifying
and won the first race of his career in China.
Antonelli's top qualifying time Saturday was 1 minute, 28.778 seconds on the
5.8-kilometer Suzuka circuit.
Teammate George Russell will start alongside him. Russell won in Australia in
the first race of the season and also took the pole, the start of Mercedes'
early dominance in 2026.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri, who has yet to start a race this season, will start
alongside Charles Leclerc of Ferrari in the second row, and Lando Norris of
McLaren starts on row three next to Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari..
Two weeks ago in China, neither McLaren car took part in the race because of
electrical problems. And in Australia, Piastri sat out after crashing his car
before the race even started.
Four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull will start 11th after struggling
and complaining on his radio about his car.
"I think there is something wrong with the car, mate. It was completely
undrivable," he said.
Saturday's qualifying was run on a sunny spring day with the same predicted for
Sunday.
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