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Kimi Antonelli makes F1 history with hat-tricks in his first two career wins. The 19-year-old leads the title race after a stunning victory at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli celebrating his Japanese GP win (AFP)
Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli is not just winning races. He is doing it in a way Formula 1 has never seen before.
The young Italian’s victory at the Japanese Grand Prix secured back-to-back wins and sent him to the top of the championship standings. But the defining statistic lies in the finer details.
Both of his race wins have come as hat-tricks — pole position, race victory, and fastest lap. And in doing so, Antonelli has become the first driver in F1 history whose first two career wins were both hat-tricks.
No driver before him has achieved this. None. Not even the sport’s most dominant champions.
History on Multiple Fronts
The Italian teenager is already ticking off milestones at a remarkable pace. He is the first Italian since Alberto Ascari in 1953 to win consecutive races, and the first teenager ever to lead the drivers’ championship.
His run has also extended to three consecutive podium finishes, surpassing Russell’s personal best streak of two.
From Setback to Control
At Suzuka, Antonelli’s race was far from straightforward.
Starting from pole, he endured a poor launch, dropping to sixth by the first corner.
Up front, Oscar Piastri led early, with Charles Leclerc and others capitalising on Antonelli’s mistake.
However, the race turned midway through when a crash involving Oliver Bearman brought out the safety car. Antonelli pitted immediately in a decisive move.
He rejoined at the front and controlled the race from there, eventually taking the chequered flag ahead of Piastri and Leclerc.
Formula 1 now heads into a brief pause before Miami, but the early narrative of the season is already clear.
This is no longer just a promising rookie campaign. It is a historic start.
April 01, 2026, 6:51 PM IST
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