After watching Kimi win in China, I was genuinely excited to see whether he could do it again in Japan. Still, back-to-back victories felt like a lot to expect from a 19-year-old this early in the season.
Yet there I was, watching him take another pole and then leave Suzuka as the championship leader.
Even before the race started, Jack Black’s dramatic opening monologue made me feel like I was watching a movie rather than Formula 1. It was loud, slightly mad and I enjoyed every second of it.
This time, however, Kimi’s victory had a little help from luck.
First, Piastri finally started a Grand Prix in 2026. Not only did he start, he immediately flew past both Mercedes cars and took the lead.
Welcome to the season, Oscar!
Kimi dropped to sixth, while Russell quickly recovered and started chasing Piastri. For a while, I thought this could become Russell’s race.
Then Russell pitted.
Moments later, Bearman crashed and the Safety Car came out. Kimi had not stopped yet, so he received what was basically a beautifully wrapped free pit stop and returned to the track in the lead.
I completely understood Russell’s frustration on the radio. He had done everything correctly, but the Safety Car chose his team-mate.
Toto’s response was basically, “Okay, bad luck. Now see what you can do.”
Very comforting, Toto.
But I cannot call Kimi’s victory lucky and leave it there. Luck gave him the lead, but after the restart he disappeared. He finished almost 14 seconds ahead of Piastri and became the youngest championship leader in F1 history.
That is not luck. That is serious speed.
Russell still gave us one of the best moments near the end. He passed Leclerc for third, only for Charles to attack straight back around the outside of Turn 1 and take the podium position again.
Oh, I loved that move! Leclerc simply refused to accept fourth.
Max’s race was a completely different experience.
He started 11th, recovered to eighth and then spent what felt like forever trying to pass Pierre Gasly. Max finally got through, but Gasly fought back and retook the position.
Watching my favourite driver trapped behind an Alpine was strange, but full credit to Gasly. He defended brilliantly and beat Max by only three-tenths at the finish.
Even the Ferrari garage looked like a movie premiere. Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Brie Larson and other stars from the Super Mario Galaxy cast were there.
I rate the Japanese Grand Prix a solid A2W 8/10.
Kimi found luck, Leclerc found courage, Piastri finally found the starting grid and Max found Gasly’s rear wing for most of the race.
aKi Malik
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