Formula 1 has set the provisional starting grid for the 2026 Japanese GP, with Mercedes dominating the front row in Suzuka. Kimi Antonelli secured pole position, while George Russell completes the German team’s one-two.
Read more F1: Hamilton sees progress, but admits gap to rivals
The result reinforces Mercedes’ strength at the start of this season and puts the team in a privileged position for the race. Right behind, McLaren appears as the main challenger, with Oscar Piastri starting in third.
The start of the Japanese GP takes place this Sunday at 2:00 AM Brasília time (GMT -3). F1MANIA.NET will provide real-time text coverage of the entire race.
The broadcast with images will be provided by TV Globo and sportv, which will air the race live on TV. F1 TV Pro also broadcasts all weekend sessions with images.
On the second row, Piastri shares the row with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who starts from fourth position. Lando Norris, the Australian’s teammate, starts fifth, followed by Lewis Hamilton, also from Ferrari, closing out the top 6.
The midfield begins with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly in seventh place. Isack Hadjar, from Red Bull, appears in eighth, while Gabriel Bortoleto, representing Audi, starts in ninth position, securing a spot in the top ten.
Arvid Lindblad, from Racing Bulls, closes the top 10, just ahead of Max Verstappen. The four-time champion starts only 11th, in a scenario that indicates difficulties for Red Bull this weekend in Suzuka.
Read more F1: Haas does not advance to Q3, but remains optimistic for the Japanese GP
Following on the grid, Esteban Ocon starts 12th, followed by Nico Hülkenberg in 13th, both in different teams, Haas and Audi, respectively. Liam Lawson appears in 14th, while Franco Colapinto starts 15th with Alpine.
Williams will have Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon starting from 16th and 17th, respectively. Oliver Bearman, from Haas, occupies 18th position, while Cadillac places Sergio Pérez in 19th and Valtteri Bottas in 20th.
Closing the provisional grid, Aston Martin is having a difficult weekend, with Fernando Alonso in 21st and Lance Stroll in 22nd.
Check out the full provisional starting grid for the 2026 Formula 1 Japanese GP:
1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
2. George Russell (Mercedes)
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren/Mercedes)
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
5. Lando Norris (McLaren/Mercedes)
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
7. Pierre Gasly (Alpine/Mercedes)
8. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull/Red Bull Ford)
9. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)
10. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls/Red Bull Ford)
11. Max Verstappen (Red Bull/Red Bull Ford)
12. Esteban Ocon (Haas/Ferrari)
13. Nico Hülkenberg (Audi)
14. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls/Red Bull Ford)
15. Franco Colapinto (Alpine/Mercedes)
16. Carlos Sainz (Williams/Mercedes)
17. Alexander Albon (Williams/Mercedes)
18. Oliver Bearman (Haas/Ferrari)
19. Sergio Pérez (Cadillac/Ferrari)
20. Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac/Ferrari)
21. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin/Honda)
22. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin/Honda)
The race promises intense battles throughout the field, especially with big names starting outside the top positions, which could further shake up the 2026 Japanese GP.
Read more F1: Hadjar sees limit in the car and aims for points in Japan
