F1 – Kimi Antonelli becomes the youngest driver in history to secure pole position, in China

At just 19 years old, Italian Kimi Antonelli made Formula 1 history by becoming the youngest driver to secure pole position for a Grand Prix. This feat was achieved during qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix, held at the Shanghai International Circuit. Antonelli thus set a new record for precocity in the history of qualifying.

A meteoric rise

Having risen through the ranks in junior categories and long considered one of the brightest prospects in motorsport, Kimi Antonelli climbed the ladder at breakneck speed. Before arriving in Formula 1, he had notably distinguished himself in European single-seater championships, racking up numerous victories and titles.

His rapid progress and adaptability convinced paddock observers that he could quickly compete with the most experienced drivers.

The pole position achieved in China confirms these predictions and reinforces his status as a precocious phenomenon.

A hard-fought qualification in Shanghai

During a particularly close session, Antonelli managed to complete a perfect lap in the final phase of qualifying.

He finished ahead of his teammate George Russell by 0,222 seconds, giving Mercedes the front row. 

Behind the two Mercedes, the Ferraris of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc occupy the second row, while Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris place McLaren on the third row of the grid.

Here is the complete grid for the Chinese Grand Prix. The race starts Sunday at 8:00 AM French time. :

1. Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes
2. George Russell – Mercedes
3. Lewis Hamilton – Scuderia Ferrari
4. Charles Leclerc – Scuderia Ferrari
5. Oscar Piastri – McLaren
6. Lando Norris – McLaren
7. Pierre Gasly – Alpine
8. Max Verstappen – Red Bull
9. Isack Hadjar – Red Bull
10. Oliver Bearman – Haas
11. Nico Hulkenberg – Audi
12. Franco Colapinto – Alpine
13. Esteban Ocon – Haas
14. Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls
15. Arvid Lindblad – Racing Bulls
16. Gabriel Bortoleto – Audi
17. Carlos Sainz – Williams
18. Alex Albon – Williams
19. Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin
20. Valtteri Bottas – Cadillac
21. Lance Stroll – Aston Martin
22. Sergio Perez – Cadillac