Kimi Antonelli makes history and becomes the youngest driver to secure a pole position in any F1 competition, after setting the fastest lap in the Sprint Qualifying in Miami.
One of the big attractions for this 2025 Formula 1 (F1) season was the presence of six rookies on the grid, bringing a breath of fresh air to the competition with new talents on track. While most of these newcomers have stayed in the midfield or back of the pack, one in particular has stood out: the 18-year-old Italian driver Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli, a young driver who excites Mercedes
At just 18 years old, the Italian became the youngest competitor in F1 history to achieve a pole position, spoiling the party for McLaren and beating the time set by Oscar Piastri, who will start second, and Lando Norris, who will line up third.
With a time of 1:26.482, Antonelli surpassed the mark of the current leader in the Drivers’ Championship, as Piastri had set a 1:27.527 on his best lap, which had put him on provisional pole until Kimi came through, driven by youth and a desire to impress the world—something he is clearly doing. With this first pole of his career, his team showered him with praise and applause, giving Mercedes renewed hope in the young talent they have.
The rest of the Sprint Qualifying
Moving on to the rest of the starting grid, Max Verstappen will start fourth, George Russell is fifth, sixth and seventh places go to the Ferraris with Charles Leclerc ahead of Lewis Hamilton; while Alexander Albon, Isack Hadjar, and Fernando Alonso complete the Top 10.
The final 10 spots on the grid are made up of Nico Hülkenberg, Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson, Carlos Sainz, Lance Stroll, Jack Doohan, Yuki Tsunoda, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Ollie Bearman.
Cover photo: X (@F1)
