Miami GP: Andrea Kimi Antonelli becomes Youngest F1 Polesitter with stunning sprint qualifying performance
Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli made Formula 1 history at the Miami Grand Prix, clinching sprint pole position and becoming the youngest pole sitter in any F1 format at just 18 years old.
The Italian sensation edged out McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by just 0.045 seconds in an intense qualifying session that saw him top a competitive field for the first time in his career.
Antonelli, who replaced Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes this season, expressed elation over team radio: "Yes mate! Come on!" His final lap, described as "mighty," sealed his debut F1 pole and cemented his status as the sport’s brightest rising star.
Previously, the youngest driver to claim any kind of pole was Sebastian Vettel at 21 years and 73 days in 2008—before sprint races existed.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, praised the teenager’s composure, noting, "It doesn’t matter if it’s a sprint. He was quickest when it counted." Antonelli will line up ahead of Piastri and Lando Norris for Saturday’s sprint.
Max Verstappen, back after welcoming his daughter, Lily, qualified fourth ahead of George Russell. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and former Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton followed in sixth and seventh. Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda suffered an early exit in SQ1, while Alpine’s Jack Doohan voiced frustration after a garage mishap impacted his run. His future remains uncertain with Franco Colapinto waiting in the wings.
The Miami Sprint Race now promises high drama as the F1 grid prepares for more wheel-to-wheel action with records already shattered.
Who is Andrea Kimi Antonelli?
Born on August 25, 2006, in Bologna, Italy, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is the son of former sportscar racer Marco Antonelli. His middle name, "Kimi," pays homage to Finnish F1 World Champion Kimi Räikkönen. Antonelli's racing journey began in karting, where he amassed numerous titles, including back-to-back victories in the Karting European Championship in 2020 and 2021.
In 2019, at just 12 years old, Antonelli joined the Mercedes Junior Programme, setting the stage for a rapid ascent through the racing ranks. He secured championships in the Italian and ADAC F4 series in 2022, followed by titles in the Formula Regional Middle East and European categories in 2023.
Antonelli made his Formula 1 debut with Mercedes at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, replacing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. At 18 years and 203 days old, he became the third-youngest driver in F1 history. His debut was marked by a remarkable drive from 16th to fourth place, showcasing his skill and composure.
Beyond the track, Antonelli continues to balance his racing career with education, pursuing his studies online. His helmet design features Savoy blue with green, white, and red accents, reflecting the colors of the Italian flag. Antonelli is also in a relationship with Czech kart racer Eliska Babickova, further cementing his deep ties to the motorsport world.
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Antonelli to see how this young prodigy continues to shape the future of Formula 1.
SportsLigue