Antonelli tops early standings

Kimi Antonelli leads the drivers’ standings on 72 points, with Mercedes team‑mate George Russell second on 63 after the Japanese Grand Prix. (racingnews365.com) The 19‑year‑old Antonelli became the youngest driver ever to top the F1 world championship at 19 years, 6 months and 25 days, a milestone noted in the official race report. (racingnews365.com) (formula1.com) Mercedes have stretched clear at the top of the Constructors’ table on 135 points, 45 ahead of Ferrari on 90 after three rounds. (racingnews365.com) Russell remains a title contender but has reported recurring technical problems in China and Japan, including a battery‑charging issue at a safety‑car restart that he said cost him pace. (beinsports.com) (formula1.com) The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds were cancelled because of the conflict in the Middle East, producing a lengthy April break before the calendar resumes with the Miami Grand Prix on May 3. (beinsports.com) (motorsport.com) At Suzuka Antonelli crossed the line 13.722 seconds ahead of Oscar Piastri to take the race victory that propelled him into the championship lead. (formula1.com) Antonelli is the first Italian to lead the world championship since Giancarlo Fisichella after the 2005 Australian Grand Prix, ending a two‑decade national gap at the top of the standings. (racingnews365.com)