F1 Japanese GP report: Charles Leclerc keeps Ferrari on the podium in dramatic Suzuka battle

Suzuka, in the Land of the Rising Sun, once again delivered a race full of action and drama. The iconic Japanese circuit lived up to its reputation, producing a Grand Prix packed with overtakes, strategy, and intense battles from start to finish.

The start

At lights out, both Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc made brilliant launches, overtaking George Russell and pole-sitter Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The Mercedes driver wearing car number 12 dropped as low as sixth place, ending up behind Lewis Hamilton in the early phase.

Pierre Gasly also made an excellent start to move into seventh, while Max Verstappen found himself in ninth. After just one lap, the Mercedes duo began their recovery, with Russell attacking Leclerc and moving up into second place. By lap 8 of 53, the British driver was already challenging Piastri for the race lead, while Antonelli, having passed Hamilton, found himself battling Norris and Leclerc for third position.

First pit stops

The first round of pit stops began on lap 17, when Lando Norris headed to the pit lane, dropping from sixth and rejoining in ninth. One lap later, Leclerc was called in while fighting with Antonelli; the Ferrari driver returned to the track in seventh place.

McLaren then responded by pitting Piastri, temporarily handing the race lead to Russell. By lap 20, the top ten order was Russell, Antonelli, Hamilton, Gasly, Verstappen, Piastri, Leclerc, Norris, Ocon, and Hadjar. On lap 21, Russell made his stop and rejoined in fifth position, just ahead of Verstappen.

Lap 22: Safety car after Bearman crash

The race was neutralized on lap 22 following a heavy crash for Oliver Bearman, who hit the barriers at Turn 13. The British driver climbed out of his Haas, visibly shaken, prompting the deployment of the Safety Car.

Several drivers took advantage of the neutralization to complete their pit stops, including Antonelli, Hamilton, and Verstappen. Under Safety Car conditions, the running order was reshuffled, with Antonelli leading ahead of Piastri, Russell, Hamilton, Leclerc, Norris, Gasly, Verstappen, Lawson, and Bortoleto.

Race restart and key battles

The race resumed on lap 27, with Antonelli maintaining control at the front. Behind him, Russell lost position to Hamilton, who moved up into third place. Shortly after, Russell dropped further back after running out of battery power on the exit of the hairpin, allowing Leclerc to overtake him and climb into fourth.

At the front, Antonelli steadily increased his advantage, extending the gap to Piastri to around eight seconds. The Mercedes driver showed impressive pace and consistency, managing both tires and energy effectively as he built a comfortable lead.

Final laps and Ferrari battle

In the closing stages, the fight for the podium intensified, particularly between the two Ferrari drivers. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc engaged in a close battle, with Russell remaining within striking distance and ready to capitalize on any opportunity.

Leclerc eventually found a way past Hamilton, and the seven-time world champion soon came under further pressure from Russell. Within just a couple of laps, Hamilton lost two positions, reshaping the podium fight.

Elsewhere, Verstappen was unable to find a way past Gasly for sixth place, while Esteban Ocon pushed hard in an attempt to secure his first point of the season. Lance Stroll retired from the race, and Fernando Alonso continued to struggle further down the order.

A thrilling finish at Suzuka

The final laps delivered high tension, with Russell and Leclerc locked in a fierce battle for the final podium spot. Despite relentless pressure, Leclerc produced a superb defensive drive, holding off the Mercedes driver with precision and determination.

Out front, there was no doubt about the winner. Andrea Kimi Antonelli crossed the line to claim his second victory of the season, confirming his status as one of the standout stars of the 2026 championship and moving into the lead of the drivers’ standings.

Oscar Piastri secured second place after a strong race, while a brilliant Charles Leclerc completed the podium thanks to an outstanding defensive performance in the closing stages.