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Kimi Antonelli Shocks F1 World with Record-Breaking Sprint Pole at Miami Grand Prix
In a moment that’s already being hailed as historic, 18-year-old Mercedes prodigy Kimi Antonelli delivered a sensational performance in Miami, claiming pole position for Saturday’s F1 Sprint race and etching his name in the record books. The young Italian not only secured the fastest time of the session but became the youngest pole-sitter in any format in Formula 1 history, breaking the previous age record by a stunning two and a half years.
Antonelli, who’s been touted as a future star, outpaced a competitive field with an impressive lap time of 1:26.482 at the Miami International Autodrome during Sprint Qualifying. His performance overshadowed his teammate George Russell, who had been a favorite for pole but ultimately had to settle for fifth. Antonelli’s blistering lap also set a new benchmark for the fastest time recorded at the circuit.
Lining up just behind the young Mercedes sensation will be the McLaren duo. Oscar Piastri came agonizingly close to pole, finishing just 0.045 seconds off Antonelli’s time to claim second. Lando Norris followed closely in third, just a tenth behind his teammate. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who struggled throughout the session with his RB21, managed to salvage a fourth-place start for the sprint.
Meanwhile, it was a disappointing day for Red Bull’s second driver, Yuki Tsunoda, who was eliminated in SQ1 — marking the first time this season he has failed to advance past the opening session. It was a surprising early exit that highlights Red Bull’s recent inconsistencies.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, fresh off a sprint victory in China, was unable to replicate his earlier success. Despite showing flashes of pace, he fought his Ferrari throughout SQ3 and ended the session in seventh. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, secured sixth position with a more composed run.
Williams had a strong showing with Alex Albon placing eighth, while rookie Isack Hadjar impressed once again by qualifying ninth for Racing Bulls. Aston Martin’s veteran Fernando Alonso rounded out the top ten.
The Sprint Qualifying session follows the three-segment knockout format — SQ1, SQ2, and SQ3 — similar to traditional qualifying, but with shorter time windows and added intensity. SQ1 eliminates the bottom five, SQ2 removes another five, and SQ3 features the fastest 10 fighting for top grid spots in the sprint race.
Drivers eliminated in SQ2 included Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber), Esteban Ocon (Haas), Pierre Gasly (Alpine), Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls), and Carlos Sainz (Williams). In SQ1, Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), Jack Doohan (Alpine), Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull), Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber), and Oliver Bearman (Haas) were knocked out early.
Antonelli’s incredible display has firmly placed him under the global spotlight, and as he prepares to lead the pack into Saturday’s sprint, fans and teams alike will be eager to see if the teenager can translate this groundbreaking pole position into victory. One thing is certain — a new era may be dawning in Formula 1.
