Kimi Antonelli Makes F1 History As Mercedes Driver Claims Pole For 2026 Chinese Grand Prix

Kimi Antonelli will make history when he starts Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix from the pole position.

The 19-year-old became the youngest driver in F1 history to sit in the pole position after taking the top spot in Saturday's qualifying session.

Antonelli, who qualified with a time of 1:32.64, is nearly two full years younger than previous record-holder Sebastian Vettel when he set the mark back in 2008 at the Italian Grand Prix.

George Russell will start second on the grid after finishing .222 seconds behind Antonelli in qualifying. The British star had mechanical issues during his run, but he was able to get back on the track during the third session to salvage things.

This could be a good omen for Antonelli because Vettel went on to win the race in Italy. He would be the second-youngest winner of an F1 race if he goes on to victory at the Chinese Grand Prix.

Vettel was the youngest race winner for eight years before Max Verstappen broke his mark as an 18-year-old in 2016 at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Antonelli is in his second season with the Mercedes team after replacing Lewis Hamilton in 2025. He finished seventh overall in the final standings with 150 points during his rookie year.

"Firstly, I have to say a big congratulations to this big lad here, to Kimi," Hamilton said after qualifying. "It's an amazing achievement to come into. He took my seat and he hit it hard from the get-go."

The Mercedes team took the top two spots in last week's season-opening race in Australia. Russell won to earn 25 points, with Antonelli taking the runner-up spot.

Sunday's race at Shanghai International Circuit will begin at 3 a.m. ET.