Antonelli Overcomes Awful Start To Win F1 Japanese Grand Prix

BERLIN, March 29 (Bernama-dpa) -- Mercedes's Kimi Antonelli overcame an awful start and the loss of five positions to win the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.

The Italian started from pole position but could not react quickly once the lights went out and dropped down to sixth, with Oscar Piastri of McLaren taking the lead.

He then began a recovery race, reaching fourth by lap 11 and before the first and only round of pit stops.

The leading pack, including teammate George Russell, had already pitted for new tyres when the safety car was deployed on lap 22 after Oliver Bearman crashed his Haas into the wall.

Antonelli, who was leading the race at this point, benefited from the situation, as his pit stop did not cost him his position.

Once the safety car was called back in, the Italian had a great restart to open a comfortable gap and cruise to a second consecutive win, and in doing so, take the lead in the drivers' championship standings.

"I was lucky with the safety car, but it was unbelievable in the end," he said over the radio after crossing the finish line.

Piastri finished second, a refreshing result after failing to even start the first two races in Australia and China. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari completed the podium in third.

-- BERNAMA-dpa