Kimi Antonelli became the youngest driver to take pole position for an entire Formula 1 Grand Prix after leading qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai. The 19-year-old Mercedes driver set a lap 0.222 seconds faster than team-mate George Russell, allowing Mercedes to lock down the front row for Sunday’s race. Antonelli’s performance broke the previous youth record held by Sebastian Vettel, who was 21 when he took his first pole position in 2008.
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Lewis Hamilton was third fastest in qualifying for Ferrari, Charles Leclerc was fourth. The result puts Mercedes in a strong position for the race and marks a significant achievement for Antonelli at the start of his Formula 1 career. Russell secured second place despite technical issues in Q3. His car lost both battery and transmission power, forcing him to stop temporarily on track before returning to the pits. Mercedes mechanics were able to repair the car, allowing Russell to set a competitive lap and give the team dominance on the front row.
Antonelli’s field lap was a defining moment during qualifying and his measured approach under pressure contributed to his record performance. This completed another dominant display for Mercedes as Russell previously won the Sprint race in Shanghai.
Hamilton’s third place finish for Ferrari demonstrated the competitiveness of the Italian team, while Leclerc’s fourth place strengthened Ferrari’s presence at the front. McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris secured fifth and sixth place respectively, putting both cars within striking distance of the leading teams.
Pierre Gasly qualified seventh for Alpine and finished ahead of Max Verstappen in eighth with Red Bull. Verstappen’s qualifying position reflected a tough drive for Red Bull as team-mate Isack Hadjar took ninth. Haas driver Oliver Bearman rounded out the top ten.
Several teams experienced early exits from the qualifiers. Drivers from Williams, Aston Martin and newcomers Cadillac were eliminated in the opening stages, with Williams continuing to struggle due to the car’s excess weight.
CHINA GP: QUALIFICATION RESULTS
Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes – 1:32,064
George Russell – Mercedes – 1:32,286
Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari – 1:32,415
Charles Leclerc – Ferrari – 1:32,428
Oscar Piastri – McLaren – 1:32,550
Lando Norris – McLaren – 1:32,608
Pierre Gasly – Alpine – 1:32,873
Max Verstappen – Red Bull – 1:33.002
Isack Hadjar – Red Bull – 1:33,121
Oliver Bearman – Haas – 1:33,292
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Published on:
14 March 2026 14:27 IST
