2026 F1 Japanese GP: Full starting grid after qualifying

Mercedes Formula 1 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli scored a second career pole after topping qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix. 

The young Italian broke his duck last time out in China, converting that to a maiden victory in Shanghai. He will be hoping to do the same on Sunday at Suzuka, as he leads team-mate George Russell off the grid. 

Oscar Piastri led the non-Mercedes charge behind Antonelli and Russell in third, while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was denied a chance to improve on fourth after making a mistake on his final flying lap. 

Lando Norris was fifth in the sister McLaren after battling reliability issues throughout practice at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton will have his work cut out to repeat his China podium success for Ferrari from sixth on the grid, as he heads the Alpine of Pierre Gasly. 

Isack Hadjar was the only Red Bull into Q3 in Suzuka qualifying, after team-mate Max Verstappen dropped out of the running in Q2. The four-time world champion and previous Suzuka polesitter will go from 11th, while Hadjar starts eighth. 

Gabriel Bortoleto got his Audi into Q3 and qualified ninth, while Arvid Lindblad - who knocked Verstappen out of qualifying - completed the top 10 for Racing Bulls. 

Ollie Bearman's Q1 exit was the other big shock of Suzuka qualifying, as the Haas driver failed to advance on 18th ahead of both Cadillacs and both Aston Martins.

Full 2026 F1 Japanese Grand Prix starting grid