Mercedes have claimed one-two finishes at both grands prix so far in a flying start to the Formula One season and they were again dominant in dry conditions at Suzuka.

The 19-year-old Italian Antonelli became the youngest pole-sitter in F1 history two weeks ago in China and he made it two in a row with a fastest lap of 1min 28.778sec.

Early championship leader Russell was second, 0.298sec behind, with McLaren's Oscar Piastri third and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc fourth.

Antonelli, who won the first grand prix of his F1 career in China two weeks ago, said it was "a really clean session".

"There's still work to do in these big tracks with the energy, how to find a solution that allows us to push even more and drive without thinking too much," he said.

"But overall I think it was good fun."

Russell was fastest in Friday's first practice but he has trailed his younger team-mate in every session since then.

The British driver said he was struggling with his car for most of qualifying and admitted it was "not ideal" going into Sunday's race.

"I've been really comfortable with the car this whole weekend, it's just in qualifying something didn't quite feel right," he said.