Kimi Antonelli will start from pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver set the fastest qualifying time of 1:12.051, beating Max Verstappen by just 43 thousandths of a second.
The session was decided in the final moments. While Verstappen seemed poised to secure first place, Antonelli delivered a perfect lap at the most tense moment, on a circuit where the slightest mistake is severely punished. In Monaco, pole position is often worth far more than a mere symbolic advantage.
Mercedes remains untouchable in qualifying
Mercedes continues its flawless qualifying record this season. The German team remains undefeated on Saturdays and confirms its dominance in single-lap races.
Antonelli thus secured his fourth pole position of the season. This performance further strengthens his status as championship leader and confirms his ability to deliver in decisive moments.
Note that Charles Leclerc, driving a Ferrari, hit the wall on his last lap. Having led for much of the race, he will start from fourth position.
Verstappen narrowly beaten, but well-placed for the race
Max Verstappen missed out by just 43 thousandths of a second. The gap was tiny, but enough to relegate him to second place on the grid.
In Monaco, this difference could prove crucial. Overtaking is rare, starting position is paramount, and strategy is expected to play a major role on Sunday. Verstappen, however, remains ideally positioned to apply pressure right from the start.
The complete grid in Monaco:
1. Kimi Antonelli, 2. Max Verstappen, 3. Lewis Hamilton, 4. Charles Leclerc, 5. Isack Hadjar, 6. George Russell, 7. Oscar Piastri, 8. Lando Norris, 9. Pierre Gasly, 10. Liam Lawson, 11. Alex Albon, 12. Carlos Sainz, 13. Nico Hülkenberg, 14. Franco Colapinto, 15. Arvid Lindblad, 16. Gabriel Bortoleto, 17. Esteban Ocon, 18. Sergio Pérez, 19. Oliver Bearman, 20. Valtteri Bottas, 21. Fernando Alonso, 22. Lance Stroll.
