Kimi Antonelli becomes youngest F1 driver to take Grand Prix pole position | Motorsports News
Italian Teenager Sets Pole Position Record in Formula One
SHANGHAI — Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli made history on Saturday, becoming the youngest driver to earn a pole position in Formula One at the age of 19 years, six months, and 17 days. This achievement took place during the qualifying session for the Grand Prix in China, where Antonelli drove for Mercedes.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who previously occupied the seat Antonelli now holds, praised the young driver. “A great record. It’s going to take a while for someone to ever get close to that one,” Hamilton said in a news conference after qualifying. He finished third in the same session.
Antonelli’s record surpasses that of former German driver Sebastian Vettel, who achieved pole position at the age of 21 years and 72 days at the 2008 Italian Grand Prix with Toro Rosso, now known as Racing Bulls.
When Antonelli joined Mercedes alongside current championship leader George Russell, there were doubts about his ability to fill Hamilton’s shoes, especially following Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, however, consistently highlighted Antonelli’s potential.
Hamilton expressed excitement for Antonelli’s success, saying, “He took my seat! And he hit it hard from the get-go, so it’s really great to see him progressing and he really deserves it.”
Antonelli is the first Italian to achieve pole position since Giancarlo Fisichella did so for Mercedes-powered Force India in 2009. “I’m very happy because at the end, you know, it’s just the beginning,” Antonelli stated, noting that he had previously secured a sprint pole in Miami last year but has yet to win a race.
He expressed optimism for the upcoming race, stating, “The car is feeling really good, the car is strong, so there’s a lot to play for tomorrow.”
The qualifying session saw some challenges for his teammate Russell, who ran into issues with his battery and was stuck in gear during the final phase, ultimately qualifying second. Wolff remarked on Russell’s troubles, acknowledging the difficult circumstances.
The weekend has been challenging for former champion Max Verstappen, who qualified eighth amid difficulties with his Red Bull team.
The Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, consisting of 56 laps around the 5.451-kilometer (3.387-mile) Shanghai International Circuit.
