19-year-old Mercedes prodigy beats Russell to become Formula 1’s youngest-ever polesitter
History was made at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai as teenage rookie Kimi Antonelli delivered a sensational qualifying lap to secure his first career pole position — and become the youngest polesitter in Formula One history.
Driving for Mercedes‑AMG Petronas Formula One Team, the 19-year-old Italian clocked a stunning 1:32.064 lap to edge out teammate George Russell, who had looked favourite for pole before suffering a technical issue late in Q3.
A Record-Breaking Moment
At 19 years, six months and about 17 days, Antonelli shattered the long-standing record for the youngest polesitter previously held by Sebastian Vettel, who had set the mark at the 2008 Italian Grand Prix.
Antonelli kept his composure during the tense qualifying finale and later reflected on the performance:
“It was a pretty clean session… no mistakes and I’m really happy,” he said after the session.
Mercedes Lock Out the Front Row
Despite facing a mechanical scare in Q3 that forced him back to the garage, Russell managed a final flying lap to secure second place, completing a Mercedes front-row lockout.
Behind the silver arrows, Lewis Hamilton — now racing for Scuderia Ferrari — qualified third, just ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc.
The McLaren pair of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris secured fifth and sixth respectively, while Pierre Gasly finished seventh for Alpine F1 Team.
Reigning champion Max Verstappen struggled with car balance and could only manage eighth for Red Bull Racing.
Top 10 Qualifiers – Chinese GP
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 1:32.064
George Russell (Mercedes)
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
Lando Norris (McLaren)
Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)
Oliver Bearman (Haas)
A Star on the Rise
Antonelli’s remarkable achievement has already sparked excitement across the paddock, with many seeing the Italian teenager as Formula 1’s next superstar. The historic pole also marked his first career pole position, signaling the beginning of what could be a glittering career at the top level of motorsport.
With Mercedes showing dominant single-lap pace and Ferrari close behind, all eyes now turn to race day in Shanghai — where the sport’s newest record-holder will start from the front of the grid.
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