The third Formula 1 race of the 2026 season is also in the books. Due to the official cancellation of the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, the series now enters a one-month spring break.
The Japanese Grand Prix was a race that once again showed exactly what the new era of Formula 1 is all about: thrilling overtakes and intense team battles. Yet technical issues and driving errors are still part of the story.
Haas driver Oliver Bearman was taken to the FIA medical centre following a frightening crash during the race.
The 20-year-old Brit, currently in his second Formula 1 season, lost control of his car at Suzuka’s challenging Spoon corner while attempting to close the gap to Alpine driver Franco Colapinto.
Approaching at high speed, Bearman tried to avoid contact but ended up losing control of his Haas, spinning off the track and hitting the tyre barriers hard.
About 20 minutes after the incident, Haas provided an update, confirming the severity of the impact.
“The crash registered at 50G. Ollie has had an X-ray at the medical centre. No fractures, a right knee contusion following the impact.”
Below you find the biggest moments from the season’s showdown at the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix — plus everything you need to know about the next Formula 1 battle to circle on your calendar.
Who Were The Podium Winners of the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix?
The three drivers who made it onto the third podium of the 2026 Formula 1 season were Kimi Antonelli, Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc. With three laps remaining, Leclerc and George Russell were locked in an intense battle for third place. In the end, the Monegasque held on and crossed the line in P3.
With that, Kimi Antonelli becomes the youngest championship leader of all time, holding a nine-point advantage. “Let’s go, man,” Kimi Antonelli cheered on the team radio.
The two Scuderia Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Leclerc once again went head-to-head in an absolutely electrifying on-track battle, trading overtakes multiple times throughout the race.
Who Drove the Fastest Lap? Who was Driver of the Day?
The battle for third is going down to the wire! ⚔️
Russell seizes the final podium place only for Leclerc to immediately snatch it back 😮
#F1 #JapaneseGP
The fastest lap of the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix was driven by race winner Kimi Antonelli with a 1:32.442.
Oscar Piastri, who competed for the first time this season, was voted Driver of the Day by the fans.
Two Drivers Didn’t Finish the Race
Haas confirmed he did not sustain a fracture in the crash.
20 drivers on the grid crossed the finish line as two of the drivers did not finish the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix: Oliver Bearman and Lance Stroll.
Results
1 Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
2 Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
3 Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
4 George Russell (Mercedes)
5 Lando Norris (McLaren)
6 Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
7 Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
8 Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
9 Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
10 Esteban Ocon (Haas)
11 Nico Hülkenberg (Audi)
12 Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)
13 Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)
14 Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)
15 Carlos Sainz (Williams)
16 Franco Colapinto (Alpine)
17 Sergio Perez (Cadillac)
18 Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
19 Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac)
20 Alex Albon (Williams)
DNF Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
DNF Oliver Bearman (Haas)
Where and When is the Next Grand Prix?
Due to the canceled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, there will be no Formula 1 race in April. The next race weekend is scheduled for May 1–3, 2026, in Miami, Florida.
If you’re looking for a full schedule of all 22 F1 Grand Prix races in 2026, those are available from Heavy on Formula 1 here.
Best of the 2026 F1 Japanese Grand Prix: Podium Winners, Driver of the Day, Fastest Lap & More