New Delhi: Mercedes’ 18-year-old rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli etched his name into the record books by becoming the youngest driver to take a Formula 1 pole position in the sprint event at the Miami Grand Prix on Friday. The Italian national achieved the landmark after clocking a lap time of 1:26.482. He narrowly defeated McLaren’s championship leader, Oscar Piastri, by 0.045 seconds.
The second McLaren of Lando Norris and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen qualified third and fourth, respectively. George Russell, Antonelli’s team-mate, was fifth fastest, only 0.309 seconds slower than the teenage sensation. Roped in by Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement for this year, it is for the first time he has beaten Russell in qualifying this season. Antonelli’s previous highest grid position was fifth this season.
KIMI ANTONELLI TAKES #F1SPRINT POLE!! 🥇
The Mercedes driver lines up alongside Oscar Piastri on tomorrow’s front row in Miami 👊#F1 #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/fd6V0X9orK
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 2, 2025
Antonelli’s ascent to F1
For an F1 racer, Antonelli has climbed to the top tier of motorsport rapidly, and his success has been remarkable. He was born on August 25, 2006, in Bologna, Italy, and joined the Mercedes Junior Team in 2019. He had a successful time in the junior categories, which included title triumphs in the Italian F4 and Formula Regional European Championships.
He went on to make his Formula 1 debut earlier this year, as he replaced the legendary Hamilton at Mercedes. Although currently at a tender age, Antonelli has showcased immense skill and composure. To give a hint about his greatness, in his debut race at the Australian Grand Prix, he started 16th but finished fourth, as he showcased his overtaking capabilities and adaptability.
Then at the Japanese Grand Prix, he became the youngest driver to lead a race and set the fastest lap in the event, which further cemented his status as a rising star and a driving prodigy.
“I’m feeling over the moon” 🌝
A good day at the office for Kimi and his Mercedes team 👊#F1 #F1Sprint #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/7NQIfppW7U
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 3, 2025
Toto Wolff, the CEO of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, praised the teenager’s performance, saying, “It’s a remarkable achievement, regardless of it being a sprint pole. His progress has been impressive.” Teammate Russell also expressed his admiration, saying that Antonelli’s journey reminded him of his own path to Formula 1.
Antonelli’s history scripting is not only a personal triumph but also a crucial moment for Italian motorsport as the instance marks the first pole for an Italian driver since Giancarlo Fisichella in 2009. It would be highly interesting to see this young prodigy dominate the world as the current F1 season progresses.
Italy’s Andrea Kimi Antonelli gave an impressive performance for Mercedes in the sprint event at the Miami Grand Prix on Friday, notably becoming the youngest driver to take a Formula 1 pole position. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
