Eighteen-year-old Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli stunned the Formula 1 world by becoming the youngest ever to clinch pole position for a sprint race at the Miami Grand Prix.
He edged out championship leader Oscar Piastri (McLaren) by a mere 0.045 seconds.
An ecstatic Antonelli said, “I am over the moon. I did not expect it.”
McLaren’s Lando Norris finished third, followed by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in fourth.
Antonelli’s teammate, George Russell, was fifth. This is Antonelli’s first time beating Russell in qualifying and a clear sign of his immense potential.
Piastri rued a late error, while Verstappen cited understeer despite car upgrades. Hamilton qualified seventh.
Antonelli’s historic pole position sets the stage for an exciting sprint race on Saturday.
