Antonelli becomes F1’s youngest polesitter in any format

Mercedes’ Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli became Formula One’s youngest polesitter in any format after a mighty final lap in Miami Grand Prix sprint qualifying on Friday.

The 18-year-old, preparing for only his sixth grand prix weekend, lapped with a best time of one minute 26.482 seconds to pip McLaren’s championship leader Oscar Piastri by 0.045 seconds.

McLaren’s Lando Norris was third fastest with Red Bull’s four-times world champion Max Verstappen completing the second row on the day he announced he had become a father for the first time.

“I did not see that coming, to be honest. I thought the lap was good and I was happy with it,” said a surprised Antonelli, who replaced seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in January.

“There were still a few bits where I could have done a bit better but I feel super happy with how I put all the sectors together.”

The previous youngest ever pole sitter was Sebastian Vettel at the age of 21 years and 73 days in 2008 at the Italian Grand Prix with Toro Rosso, now Racing Bulls, before sprint races existed.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said it did not matter what kind of pole it was.

“It’s about the trajectory. It’s not whether it’s a pole in only the sprint, or a pole tomorrow or in the future, he’s done it and he’s quickest,” said the Austrian.