Full starting grid for the 2026 F1 Japanese Grand Prix

Antonelli storms to Suzuka pole

Kimi Antonelli will start from pole position for the 2026 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix after delivering a commanding performance in qualifying at Suzuka.

Russell’s lap secures a front-row lockout for Mercedes, placing the team in a formidable position heading into Sunday’s race.

Ferrari and McLaren fill the second and third rows

The third row features two world champions: Lando Norris in fifth and Lewis Hamilton in sixth, adding further intrigue to the strategic picture just behind the leading quartet.

Verstappen eliminated in Q2

One of the biggest shocks of the session came in Q2, where Max Verstappen suffered an early exit. The Red Bull driver, who had secured four consecutive pole positions at Suzuka prior to this weekend, was unable to extract the necessary pace from his car.

After struggling throughout the session, Verstappen will start 11th on the grid, marking a dramatic end to his dominant qualifying run at the Japanese circuit.

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Note: The starting grid remains provisional until officially confirmed by the FIA.

Below is the full provisional starting order for the 2026 F1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

Position	Driver	Team
1st	Kimi Antonelli	Mercedes
2nd	George Russell	Mercedes
3rd	Oscar Piastri	McLaren
4th	Charles Leclerc	Ferrari
5th	Lando Norris	McLaren
6th	Lewis Hamilton	Ferrari
7th	Pierre Gasly	Alpine
8th	Isack Hadjar	Red Bull
9th	Gabriel Bortoleto	Audi
10th	Arvid Lindblad	Racing Bulls
11th	Max Verstappen	Red Bull
12th	Esteban Ocon	Haas
13th	Nico Hulkenberg	Audi
14th	Liam Lawson	Racing Bulls
15th	Franco Colapinto	Alpine
16th	Carlos Sainz	Williams
17th	Alex Albon	Williams
18th	Oliver Bearman	Haas
19th	Sergio Perez	Cadillac
20th	Valtteri Bottas	Cadillac
21st	Fernando Alonso	Aston Martin
22nd	Lance Stroll	Aston Martin