Piastri Shines and Gasly Roars - Japanese GP Driver Ratings

Race Recap: Piastri and Antonelli Steal the Spotlight

The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix was nothing short of electrifying, with Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli pulling off a stunning victory while McLaren's Oscar Piastri secured a commendable second place. Both drivers, alongside experienced contenders, showed that the youth of F1 is here to stay, with Piastri finishing third in the championship, merely 13 points behind McLaren teammate Lando Norris.

Driver Performance Ratings

As always, today I'll dive deep into each driver's performance during this thrilling race weekend, offering insights on their strategies, skills, and a touch of luck that shaped the outcomes at Suzuka.

Kimi Antonelli - 8.5

Antonelli's buzz from his previous win in China carried into Japan. Although a poor start saw him drop to sixth, he utilized the safety car effectively to reclaim his position. Luck played its part, but skill was evident in his aggressive driving approach.

Oscar Piastri - 9

Piastri continues to capitalize on his opportunities. Starting strong and controlling the tempo early on, he was in contention for a victory until the safety car altered his plans. His performance is proof that when he finishes a race, he scores big points – a sign of a budding champion!

Charles Leclerc - 8

Leclerc was on his game, battling fiercely with his Ferrari and showing resilience even when the car didn't feel right. He put in a stellar performance, defending against Russell in the closing laps while pushing for podium placement.

George Russell - 7

Even in quick machinery, Russell faced challenges with pace after some adjustments in qualifying, leading to a disappointing start and a struggle to regain lost positions during the race. He showcased determination, but the results didn't match his potential.

Lando Norris - 8

With limited track time due to reliability issues, Norris' race was an impressive recovery job. He managed to secure respectable points while under significant pressure – a testament to his adaptability and racing acumen.

Lewis Hamilton - 6

Hamilton had a tough outing, grappling with pace and facing challenges against his teammate. Although he fought hard in the battles, the Ferrari felt unbalanced, making it a challenging weekend.

Pierre Gasly - 9

For me, Gasly was rightly the star of the weekend. His experience shone through as he qualified well and held his ground against fierce competition, proving to be a crucial element for Alpine.

Max Verstappen - 6

Verstappen's uphill battle with a car that wasn't up to par was a stark contrast to the dominant performances we're used to seeing. Questions about his future remain, and improvements are crucial as the season progresses.

Liam Lawson - 7

Despite facing some front wing issues, Lawson managed to snag a points finish, showcasing that even a not-so-perfect weekend can yield results.

Esteban Ocon - 7

Ocon's return to the points is promising. While not extraordinary, it signals better reliability and performance compared to prior races.

Drivers at the Back

A mixed bag of performances came from those at the back of the grid. From Alex Albon's woes to Sergio Perez's struggle, the season's ebb and flow continue to latch on to the drivers who are either fighting to stay afloat or striving for improvement.

Conclusion - What Lies Ahead?

With Antonelli now leading the championship, the pressure intensifies for the older drivers to ramp up their game. The next race promises to be another battle of wits and machines, as every point will matter. It's going to be a riveting season ahead, and I'm all in!