F1 Driver Antonelli Makes History with Pole Position for Mercedes

Just yesterday, we were talking about Lamine Yamal, who continues to amaze the football world with his precocious talent. And today, a similar story is unfolding in Formula 1 — this time with a young driver who’s turning heads.

His name is Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The 18-year-old Italian is making the most of his opportunity as a Mercedes driver, stepping up after Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. Backed by team principal Toto Wolff, Antonelli is already exceeding expectations and making a strong impression in the paddock.

So much so that yesterday, at the Miami Grand Prix, he shocked the field by taking pole position in the sprint qualifying session, which sets the grid for today’s sprint race at 6:00 PM (CET).

All eyes will now be on how he performs in the sprint, followed by traditional qualifying later tonight at 10:00 PM (CET). The main Grand Prix race is also scheduled for 10:00 PM (CET) on Sunday.

A Record-Breaking Moment

With this achievement, Antonelli becomes the youngest driver in F1 history to take a pole position, at 18 years, 8 months, and 7 days old. He smashes the previous record held by Sebastian Vettel, who claimed his first pole at 21 years, 2 months, and 11 days — meaning Antonelli has lowered the record by a stunning three years.

Other big names who achieved their first pole at age 21 include Fernando Alonso, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris. Antonelli now finds himself in elite company — and well ahead of schedule.