F1 2026: Kimi Antonelli Becomes Youngest-Ever Formula One Pole-Sitter; Mercedes Teen Claims Chinese GP Pole
Aged 19 years, 6 months, and 18 days, Kimi Antonelli eclipsed Sebastian Vettel’s long-standing record from 2008.
Mercedes prodigy Kimi Antonelli made history on Saturday by becoming the youngest pole sitter in Formula One history during qualifying for the F1 2026 Chinese Grand Prix. The 19-year-old Italian clocked a 1:32.064 at the Shanghai International Circuit to secure P1 in just his second season. Aged 19 years, 6 months, and 18 days, Antonelli eclipsed Sebastian Vettel’s long-standing record from 2008. He led a Mercedes front-row lockout, finishing 0.222 seconds ahead of teammate George Russell, who recovered from a late gear-shifting issue. Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc secured the second row, while reigning champion Lando Norris qualified sixth. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen struggled, managing only eighth. F1 2026: Formula One Set to Cancel Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Races Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict.
Kimi Antonelli Creates History
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