In the aftermath of Kimi Antonelli’s heartwarming win in China, there is plenty to discuss as the paddock resets for the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix.
Two weeks have passed since the last round, but the Formula 1 action shows no signs of slowing down as the drivers prepare for the exhilarating challenge of the Japanese Grand Prix.
There was plenty to cover on media day at the Suzuka Circuit, beginning with the elation of Kimi Antonelli’s maiden win in Shanghai. Although his weekend wasn’t quite flawless, with a collision in the Sprint and a slow start to the Grand Prix, he held his nerve and built up an unassailable lead to win at just 19 years of age.
Come the end of the season, will we look back on his achievement as a statement win? With just four points separating him from his Mercedes team mate George Russell, it certainly puts him in early contention for the title, but the question of whether the team – and Antonelli himself – are ready for that battle remains to be seen.
Lots can change over the remaining rounds, but Ferrari are currently the Silver Arrows’ main challengers. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have shown they can fight ruthlessly in the races, especially with each other, but can they actually stop Mercedes’ dominance?
As well as the battle at the front, there's also the news that Jonathan Wheatley has left Audi with immediate effect, Honda’s goal of finishing their home race with Aston Martin, and some eye-catching special liveries. That means the F1 TV crew have more than enough to discuss.
To explore these talking points and more, hit go on the video player above and join Ariana Bravo, Lawrence Barretto and Alex Brundle ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
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Kimi Antonelli's maiden F1 win puts him just four points behind teammate Russell in early title fight.
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Mercedes' dominance faces its biggest test yet from Ferrari's Hamilton-Leclerc partnership this weekend.
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Jonathan Wheatley's sudden departure from Audi adds fresh uncertainty to the 2026 driver market shake-up.
