2026 F1 Japanese Grand Prix - Qualifying Results

Kimi Antonelli registered back-to-back Formula 1 pole positions, setting the fastest time in qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka from Mercedes team-mate George Russell. 

Mercedes may have locked out the front row in Japan, but it was far from a comfortable experience, with both McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc providing a constant threat throughout the three-part session. Ultimately, an error out of The Spoon curve on Leclerc's final effort cost a significant amount of time on the Ferrari man's final lap, which derailed what initially appeared to be a potential pole lap.

Lando Norris bounced back from more ERS issues on Saturday morning to go fifth, ahead of Lewis Hamilton, Pierre Gasly, Isack Hadjar, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Arvid Lindblad. 

Max Verstappen was the shock exit in Q2, with the Dutchman branding his Red Bull as "undrivable", and complaining of being unable to turn his car mid-corner. He will start from 11th place. 

Nico Hulkenberg will be less than pleased to have also dropped out in Q2, after charting consistently in the top 10 across the three practice sessions.

Cadillac and Aston Martin both saw their partnerships exit in Q1, with Ollie Bearman a surprise in the initial bottom after a strong start to the season. 

On race pace in practice, the Mercedes pace appeared ominous, but there was little to separate the midfield, with a mouthwatering battle for the minor points positions in prospect.