Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli appeared to be flailing throughout practice ahead of Sunday's Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, Japan, struggling for confidence at a challenging circuit he had never previously visited, but race day proved to be another story.

The Italian F1 racer, who finished sixth at Suzuka, briefly moved into first when leader and eventual winner Max Verstappen and the pack chasing him pitted midway through the race.

After breaking two records at the Japanese Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli has his sights firmly set on the next milestone.