Leclerc & Piastri Hit Podiums
Suzuka drama: Charles Leclerc recovered to finish P3 — Scuderia Ferrari’s post drew 20k+ likes celebrating the drive (x.com). McLaren’s Oscar Piastri scored the MCL40’s first podium of 2026, a result that earned 23k+ likes across social posts (x.com).
Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli converted a mid-race swing into victory at Suzuka and became the youngest driver in Formula 1 history to lead the world championship. (formula1.com) The safety car was deployed after Haas’s Ollie Bearman suffered a heavy, reported 50G shunt at Spoon Curve on Lap 22, a stoppage that allowed Antonelli — who had not yet pitted — to pit and re-emerge in the race lead. (motorsport.com) Oscar Piastri produced a lightning start to vault into the lead into Turn 1 and built almost a two‑second advantage before the safety car; he was voted Driver of the Day and scored 18 championship points in his first race finish after two DNSs to open the season. (total-motorsport.com) Charles Leclerc said Ferrari had been “a little unlucky” with the timing of the safety car and pointed to tyre management after the restart as the crucial factor in securing his strong result. (formula1.com) Antonelli crossed the line 13.722 seconds clear in a 1:28:03.403 race, with George Russell classified fourth, Lando Norris fifth and Lewis Hamilton sixth. (formula1.com) The Suzuka outcome reshaped the early standings: Antonelli tops the drivers’ table on 72 points, Mercedes lead the constructors on 135 points while Ferrari sit on 90 and McLaren moved to 46 after the third round. (racingnews365.com)
