Kimi Antonelli has etched his title into System 1 historical past after producing a surprising qualifying efficiency on the Chinese language Grand Prix.
The teenage Mercedes driver delivered one of many standout laps of the 2026 season in Shanghai.
Commercial
In doing so, he broke a report that had stood within the sport for practically twenty years.
Photograph by Kym Illman/Getty Pictures
Kimi Antonelli breaks Sebastian Vettel’s F1 pole report in Chinese language GP qualifying
A clip circulating on-line, together with , highlighted Antonelli’s outstanding milestone after his qualifying lap on the Chinese language Grand Prix.
“Kimi Antonelli turns into the youngest driver to take pole for F1 grand prix, aged 19 years and 201 days,” the tweet revealed.
The Mercedes rookie produced a quickest lap of 1:32.064 throughout qualifying in Shanghai to safe his first profession pole place.
His efficiency positioned him forward of teammate George Russell on the grid, giving Mercedes a front-row lockout for the race weekend.
Commercial
Extra importantly, the consequence rewrote a chunk of System 1 historical past by making Antonelli the youngest driver ever to take pole place for a Grand Prix.
Sebastian Vettel beforehand held the youngest F1 pole report since 2008
Earlier than Antonelli’s breakthrough, the report belonged to Sebastian Vettel for practically 18 years.
The German achieved the feat throughout qualifying for the 2008 Italian Grand Prix at Monza whereas driving for Toro Rosso.
Vettel was simply 21 years and 72 days previous when he secured pole place in moist circumstances that weekend.
He would go on to transform that pole right into a well-known victory the next day, turning into one of many youngest race winners in System 1 historical past.
Commercial
For years, Vettel’s report appeared untouchable, however Antonelli’s speedy rise via the Mercedes junior program and his early success in System 1 have now rewritten that chapter of the game’s report books.
At simply 19 years previous, the Italian driver has already proven why he’s thought of probably the most thrilling younger skills in fashionable F1.
Learn extra:
