The Saturday qualifying session at the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka concluded with a thrilling performance from Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who secured a stunning pole position. Meanwhile, Ferrari faced challenges in optimizing the SF-26, leaving Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton struggling to match the pace of the leaders.
After two free practice sessions that showed varying performance levels across the grid, the third session revealed a dominant Mercedes once again. George Russell finished just behind his teammate, but the gap to the rest of the field was significant, highlighting the technical precision required on the Suzuka circuit.
The track conditions during qualifying were ideal: the asphalt temperature was 32°C, the air temperature 16°C, with 60% humidity and a southeast wind at 2.3 m/s. For the session, Pirelli provided the 2026 hard compound range: C1 (hard), C2 (medium), and C3 (soft), which all teams had to manage carefully for optimal lap times.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli set a fastest lap of 1:28.778 to claim pole position. George Russell followed closely, unable to surpass the Bolognese driver. Completing the provisional podium for qualifying, Oscar Piastri delivered a solid performance, while Charles Leclerc ended up fourth after losing crucial time exiting the Spoon curve, which cost him a chance at the third spot. Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the third row, finishing fifth and sixth respectively.
Aston Martin struggled at their home circuit, with both cars occupying the last row of the grid. Oliver Bearman disappointed, taking only eighteenth place after previously establishing himself as a contender in higher positions. Max Verstappen suffered a shock elimination, failing to reach Q3, while Isack Hadjar impressively advanced.
Gabriel Bortoleto successfully guided the Audi into Q3, while Arvid Lindblad ensured Racing Bulls also reached the final qualifying segment, a feat that was far from guaranteed. Hadjar’s performance ahead of a struggling Verstappen emphasized the unpredictable nature of this session.
Japanese GP 2026: full qualifying results
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli
- George Russell
- Oscar Piastri
- Charles Leclerc
- Lando Norris
- Lewis Hamilton
- Pierre Gasly
- Isack Hadjar
- Gabriel Bortoleto
- Arvid Lindblad
- Max Verstappen
- Esteban Ocon
- Nico Hulkenberg
- Liam Lawson
- Franco Colapinto
- Carlos Sainz
- Alexander Albon
- Oliver Bearman
- Sergio Pérez
- Valtteri Bottas
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
Japanese GP 2026 qualifying times
The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix grid is now set, the focus will be on whether Andrea Kimi Antonelli can convert his pole position into a race-winning performance, as Mercedes continues to show strong pace and Ferrari works to recover ahead of the main race on Suzuka’s demanding layout.
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