Kimi Antonelli Makes F1 History with Miami Sprint Pole

In a remarkable display of skill and composure, 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured pole position in the Sprint Qualifying for the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. Driving for Mercedes, Antonelli became the youngest driver in Formula 1 history to claim a pole position in any format, surpassing the previous record held by Max Verstappen.

A Historic Achievement

Antonelli’s lap time of 1:26.482 edged out McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by just 0.045 seconds, with Lando Norris completing the top three. This achievement is particularly significant as it marks the first pole for an Italian driver since Giancarlo Fisichella in 2009.

Mercedes’ Young Prodigy

Joining Mercedes as part of their junior program, Antonelli has quickly made a name for himself. Team principal Toto Wolff expressed immense pride in Antonelli’s performance, highlighting his exceptional talent and potential. Despite Mercedes not having the fastest car this season, Antonelli’s performance underscores his individual brilliance.

Sprint Qualifying Results

The top positions in the Sprint Qualifying were as follows:

1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 1:26.482

2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 1:26.527

3. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:26.582

4. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) – 1:26.737

5. George Russell (Mercedes) – 1:26.791

These results set the stage for an exciting 100km sprint race, where only the top eight finishers will earn points.

Looking Ahead

As the youngest pole sitter in F1 history, Antonelli’s achievement has garnered widespread attention. With the main race and the sprint race ahead, all eyes will be on the young Italian to see if he can convert his pole position into a podium finish. His performance in Miami has certainly marked him as a rising star in the world of Formula 1.