Piastri Claims Second for McLaren at Japanese GP

Oscar Piastri delivered a commanding performance at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, securing second place for McLaren at Suzuka and marking the team's first podium of the 2026 Formula 1 season, despite a midrace safety car intervention that handed victory to Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli.

The Australian driver, who had yet to complete a race this year after a reconnaissance lap crash prevented his start in Melbourne and an electrical failure sidelined him in Shanghai, seized the lead at the outset in Japan. Piastri maintained his position through the opening stint, fending off Mercedes' George Russell in challenging dirty air conditions. The race shifted dramatically on Lap 22 when Haas rookie Ollie Bearman crashed, prompting the safety car. Antonelli, who had pitted just prior, benefited from the neutralization to maintain track position on fresh hard tires, emerging with a decisive advantage after the restart. Piastri, having stopped a few laps earlier alongside teammate Lando Norris, fought back to reclaim second but finished 15 seconds adrift as Antonelli pulled away in clean air.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella lauded Piastri's display as evidence of the driver's peak...