Miami, Florida — Andrea Kimi Antonelli made history on Friday by becoming the youngest driver to secure a pole position in Formula 1, setting the stage for an exciting sprint event at the Miami Grand Prix. At just 18 years old, the Italian showed impressive skill, completing his qualifying lap with a time that edged out championship leader Oscar Piastri by a mere 0.045 seconds. Lando Norris of McLaren rounded out the top three in qualifying.
Antonelli’s Mercedes teammate, George Russell, qualified fifth, following Piastri and Norris as well as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who claimed fourth. The young driver’s recent success adds to a series of accomplishments that have positioned him as one of the sport’s rising stars. In April, he became the youngest competitor to earn a fastest lap during a grand prix and the youngest to lead a race, showcasing his remarkable potential.
After the qualifying session, Antonelli expressed his joy, saying he was thrilled with his performance but had not anticipated such a successful outcome. “I was feeling good in the car,” he remarked. Reflecting on his lap, he noted, “I felt the lap was good, and I was happy with how it all came together. There were still some areas where I could improve, but I’m super happy with how I managed the sectors.”
The sense of accomplishment was evident as Antonelli secured pole, and he took a moment to celebrate with his father, Marco, in the Mercedes garage. “He’s like a rock for me because I can always rely on him, and sharing this moment with him is really special,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Antonelli has a prime opportunity to claim his first Formula 1 victory during the sprint event scheduled for Saturday, followed by the main race on Sunday. His rapid ascent through the ranks is not only a testament to his driving capabilities but also raises anticipation for what he could achieve in the seasons to come.
As the weekend unfolds, fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see how this talented young driver harnesses the momentum of his pole position. With each milestone, Antonelli continues to capture the attention of the motorsport world, underscoring his status as a formidable contender on the Formula 1 circuit.