New Headline: Kimi Antónelli Revisits Formula One Dominance in China Grand Prix

SHANGHAI, CHINA - MARCH 14: Pole position qualifier Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team with his Pirelli Pole Position award during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on March 14, 2026 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Sam Bloxham/LAT Images) Young Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has made Formula 1 history at the Chinese Grand Prix. Antonelli stormed to pole position during Saturday’s qualifying session for the Chinese Grand Prix, becoming the youngest pole sitter in the history of the sport.

The Italian driver, aged 19 years, six months, and 18 days, eclipsed a record set by Sebastian Vettel, when the legendary driver took his maiden pole position at the 2008 Italian Grand Prix. He is also the first Italian driver to take an F1 pole position since Giancarlo Fisichella at the 2009 Belgian Grand Prix. The young driver was left almost without words after the session.

“I don’t know,“ said Antonelli when asked about breaking Vettel’s mark. ”I feel, yeah, I mean, I’m very happy, I’m very happy because at the end, you know, it’s just the beginning, so obviously there’s a lot more to come. And yeah, really looking forward to tomorrow and, you know, the car is feeling really good, the car is strong, so yeah, a lot to play for tomorrow, but yeah, just super happy with today.

“ On the other side of the garage George Russell, who took the win in the F1 Sprint race earlier in the day, recovered from a mechanical issue to secure P2, locking out the front row for Mercedes for the third time this season. Russell called the qualifying hour a matter of “damage limitation” for him. “Yeah, definitely damage limitation.