Kimi Antonelli has made Formula 1 history after becoming the youngest pole sitter ever during qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix. The 19 year old driver delivered a stunning lap at the Shanghai International Circuit to secure the first pole position of his career.
Driving for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, Antonelli set a blistering lap time of 1:32.322 in the final moments of qualifying. No other driver could match the pace as the young Italian topped the session.
The result also means Antonelli has broken a long standing Formula 1 record held by Sebastian Vettel. Vettel had been the youngest pole sitter in the sport since 2008, but Antonelli has now taken that record at just 19 years old.
His teammate George Russell looked like the main challenger for pole throughout the session. However, Russell suffered late issues, including battery problems, which stopped him from making a final push for the top spot.
Drivers such as Oscar Piastri also tried to challenge for pole but could not get close to Antonelli’s time. The Mercedes rookie stayed calm under pressure and delivered what he later described as a “perfect lap.”
Speaking after the session, Antonelli said the moment felt surreal. He thanked the team for giving him a fast car and said he was proud to achieve such a big milestone so early in his career.
The record breaking pole is another sign of Antonelli’s rapid rise in Formula 1. After a strong rookie campaign and a solid start to the 2026 season, the teenager is already proving he can fight at the very front of the grid.
Now the focus turns to race day. Starting from pole in Shanghai, Antonelli will aim to turn his historic qualifying performance into his first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix victory.
