F1 facing 'safety crisis' and Max Verstappen contemplating retirement - International Media reacts

Kimi Antonelli walked away from the Japanese Grand Prix as the youngest leader of the drivers' championship in the sport's history.

The Italian driver started from pole position but a botched race start saw him cycle back to sixth place. However, he displayed strong pace before a well-timed safety car boosted him back up to the head of the field, putting victory on a plate for him.

Elsewhere, there were further frustrations for Max Verstappen and a huge shunt for Oliver Bearman.

All of the drama created plenty of talking points coming out of the race on Sunday.

Below, you can read how media from around the world reacted to the third round of the F1 season, the Japanese GP.

🇬🇧 The Guardian - F1 must seek answers to 'safety crisis'

One of the biggest talking points from the Japanese Grand Prix weekend was the seismic shunt Oliver Bearman suffered during the race.

Bearman was caught out by the huge closing speeds as he followed Franco Colapinto's Alpine through the middle sector of the track, before being forced onto the grass and into the barrier at high speed.

Numerous drivers warned that such a crash was a possibility this year with the new power units, and The Guardian has now stated that F1 needs to find answers to the “safety crisis” that has been generated.

“There is at least a genuine agreement and will to deal with it, especially after Bearman’s crash,” an opinion piece on the publication stated. “Equally, there is no shortage of sharp minds now focused on the issue, a real positive in what is so often a competitive atmosphere.”

🇳🇱 De Telegraaf - Max Verstappen considering F1 retirement

Dutch publication De Telegraaf writes that four-time champion Verstappen is seriously considering walking away from the sport at the end of the 2026 campaign.

Verstappen has been a vocal critic of the new regulations introduced this year.

Although Red Bull and Verstappen are competing off the front-running pack, Verstappen has stated his primary concerns stem from how the cars are being driven.

The Dutchman has made it clear that he is not enjoying the challenge of the new challengers, and as a result, De Telegraaf states he is contemplating an exit from the sport.

🇪🇸 Marca - Kimi Antonelli has 'charisma and leadership qualities'

There is little doubt that luck played a significant role in Kimi Antonelli's victory on Sunday as a well-timed safety car allowed him to cycle back to the front of the grid after his poor start.

Nevertheless, Antonelli has shown great speed across the last two grand prix weekends and now sits at the head of the F1 drivers' championship, becoming the youngest driver to do so.

Now emerging as a serious threat in the title fight, Marca has praised the Italian for his “ ”charisma and leadership qualities”.

🇮🇹 La Gazzetta dello Sport - Italian fans facing support dilemma

It has been a long time since Italy has had a driver from their home country fighting at the front of the field. Truth be told, the same could be said about Ferrari.

Now, Bologna-born Antonelli finds himself at the lead of the drivers' championship as a Mercedes driver, with Ferrari seemingly its most likely challenger.

While Italian F1 fans will always have a spot for Ferrari, supporting and yearning for Antonelli's success will come at the expense of keeping Ferrari off the top step of the podium.

The publication writes that the fans can be split three ways - Ferrari-first, Italy-first or a hybrid support until a crossroads is reached!

🇦🇺 Herald Sun - Oscar Piastri reignites title hopes after early horror

Shifting to media Down Under, the Herald Sun reported on Oscar Piastri finally managing to take a race start after a disastrous opening two rounds.

Consecutive non-starts in Australia and China marked a depressing opening period to the campaign after his heartbreaking title loss to team-mate Lando Norris in 2025.

However, he returned to top form in Suzuka and even was voted the 'Driver of the Day' by F1 fans for his run to second place.

The Australian publication highlighted that his title aspirations are now up and running, despite the large gap that exists to Mercedes.