Teenager Kimi Antonelli sprung the surprise of the season so far by taking pole position for Saturday’s sprint race in Miami.
The 18-year-old Italian, just six rounds into his rookie campaign as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, saw off championship leader Oscar Piastri by just 0.045 seconds at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Piastri’s McLaren team-mate Lando Norris finished third, 0.100 sec behind Antonelli, with Max Verstappen fourth and Antonelli’s Mercedes team-mate George Russell in fifth.
YESSS KIMI, WHAT A LAP!!! SPRINT POLE IN MIAMI pic.twitter.com/knDg8kppnm
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) May 2, 2025
Charles Leclerc and Hamilton qualified sixth and seventh respectively for Ferrari.
“It was a very intense qualifying, and I have felt really good since this morning’s practice session,” said a euphoric Antonelli after posting a track record to take top spot.
“The last lap was mighty. I pulled it all together and I am delighted to get my first pole.
“It will be a different feeling to start on the front row tomorrow and I cannot wait to see how we do in the sprint race, and in qualifying for the Grand Prix, too.”
Read More