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Portugal Colonial - Antonelli leads Mercedes one-two in final Japan practice

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Antonelli leads Mercedes one-two in final Japan practice
Antonelli leads Mercedes one-two in final Japan practice / Photo: ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS - AFP

Antonelli leads Mercedes one-two in final Japan practice

SPORTS 28.03.2026

Kimi Antonelli led team-mate George Russell in a Mercedes one-two in Saturday's final practice for the Japanese Grand Prix, as McLaren's world champion Lando Norris endured another frustrating session.

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Mercedes have made a dominant start to the Formula One season and they again set the pace in dry, clear conditions at Suzuka.

Antonelli, the 19-year-old Italian who won the first grand prix of his career two weeks ago in China, set a fastest lap of 1min 29.362sec, with early championship leader Russell 0.254sec behind him.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was third ahead of McLaren's Oscar Piastri, who was fastest in Friday's second practice.

Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton was fifth.

Norris was sixth, having spent the first half of the session in the garage with a battery issue.

The British driver also missed the first half of both of Friday's practice sessions.

Max Verstappen was eighth in another disappointing outing for Red Bull's four-time world champion.

The Dutchman, who was 1.548sec slower than Antonelli, told his team over the radio that his car was "horrendous", throwing in a barrage of swearing for good measure.

Haas driver Ollie Bearman had a big spin in the second half of the session but was able to regain control.

Qualifying for Sunday's race is later Saturday.

S.Pimentel--PC

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