Sunday’s race was moved forward by three hours to 1300 local time as F1 bosses fought to beat the forecast thunderstorms later in the afternoon.

Kimi Antonelli has won the last two races to lead the standings by nine points.

Kimi Antonelli won his second successive race at Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix, with Mercedes team-mate Russell in fourth.

Antonelli took advantage of a safety car period following British driver Ollie Bearman’s 140mph crash in Suzuka to land a free pit-stop.

Verstappen was eliminated in Q2 in Japan and out-qualified by his Red Bull team-mate Isack Hadjar.

The Australian edged out Kimi Antonelli by 0.092 seconds in Suzuka with George Russell third.

George Russell took second on the grid as Mercedes secured a second straight front-row lockout.

Hamilton had to settle for third as Russell – a winner in Australia six days ago – took the chequered flag 0.6 seconds clear of Charles Leclerlc.

Russell is leading the drivers’ standings for the first time in his career.

Russell traded the lead with Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc five times during a frenetic start.

The British driver, 28, arrived for the new campaign in Melbourne as the bookmakers’ favourite.

The British driver set a new record around the streets of Monte Carlo to beat local hero Charles Leclerc to pole by 0.109 seconds.

The pair were involved in a spat at last weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix.

Hamilton’s Mercedes career will come to an end on Sunday.

Hamilton endured a torrid weekend in his penultimate race for the Silver Arrows.

Russell took the third win of his career under the Las Vegas lights.

Championship leader Max Verstappen will start sixth on the grid in Baku.

Hamilton finished 0.093 seconds ahead of teammate George Russell in the last tune-up before qualifying in Italy.

Mercedes cling on to second place in the constructors’ championship.

Verstappen was imperious around the high-speed corner circuit at Suzuka.