Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest pole-sitter in Formula One history after topping qualifying at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, setting a time of 1:32.064 to claim his first career pole position at just 19 years, 6 months and 18 days old.
The young Italian led a Mercedes one-two, with team-mate George Russell qualifying second despite a nervy session. Russell came to a stop on track at the start of Q3 but Mercedes managed to reboot his car in time for one final flying lap, which was enough to secure second place, two tenths behind Antonelli.
Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top three in the leading Ferrari, with team-mate Charles Leclerc alongside him on the second row. Ferrari will be hoping to make a strong start on Sunday to challenge the Mercedes pair ahead of them.
Oscar Piastri qualified fifth ahead of reigning champion Lando Norris in sixth, while Pierre Gasly impressed with seventh for Alpine. It was a difficult day for Red Bull, with Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar managing only eighth and ninth.
At the back, Carlos Sainz outqualified team-mate Alex Albon, while Fernando Alonso could only manage 19th for a struggling Aston Martin. Sergio Perez will start from the rear of the grid.
The Chinese Grand Prix takes place on Sunday 15 March 2026.
