KIMI ANTONELLI made it two Grand Prix victories in a row by winning at Suzuka.
The Formula 1 wonderkid, 19, benefited from a fortunately timed safety car during lap 22 before going on to dominate the rest of the race.
Kimi Antonelli celebrates his brilliant winCredit: AP
Antonelli, 19, triumphed at Suzuka in his MercedesCredit: Reuters
Antonelli had begun on pole but quickly squandered that advantage.
When Ollie Bearman , however, Antonelli was able to quickly pit after rivals George Russell and Oscar Piastri already had – thus coming out in the lead.
After his win, the Italian admitted: “I was lucky there with the safety car.”
While Mercedes race engineers confessed: “We definitely dodged a bullet today.”
Antonelli’s triumph saw him become the youngest man to ever lead the Formula 1 driver standings.
Speaking after his win, Antonelli said: “It feels pretty good! Of course, it’s too early to think about the championship but we are on a good way.
“I had a terrible start. I need to check what happened. Then I was lucky with the Safety Car to be in the lead but then the pace was incredible.
“It was really nice. The second stint I felt very good with the car. I’m very pleased with that.”
Antonelli was buzzing after his triumphCredit: AP
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished second, while Charles Leclerc completed the podium.
A British trio followed; with George Russell fourth, world champion Lando Norris fifth and Lewis Hamilton sixth.
Bearman, meanwhile, had a heavy limp as he was helped off track following his crash.
A quick X-ray showed that the 20-year-old thankfully avoided any bone fractures.
Although the Haas star was diagnosed with a right knee contusion.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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