Kimi Antonelli claims pole position, breaks Formula 1 record

In Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 2, 2025, Kimi Antonelli made history by becoming the youngest polesitter in Formula 1. The 18-year-old driver for Mercedes achieved this impressive feat during the sprint race qualifying for the Miami Grand Prix, edging out current points leader Oscar Piastri of McLaren by just 0.045 seconds. This victory is particularly significant as it marks the first instance an Italian driver had secured a pole position in Formula 1 since 2009, showcasing the potential talent Antonelli possesses.  This accomplishment is all the more remarkable considering it is Antonelli's debut season in Formula 1. Having stepped into the shoes of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, his success in qualifying proves Mercedes' strong belief in his capabilities. Throughout the qualifying session, Antonelli exhibited confidence and skill, culminating in a blistering time of 1:26.482. This performance not only highlights his racing acumen but also demonstrates a level of determination that many seasoned drivers admire. The sprint race weekend in Miami posed unique challenges, as Antonelli had never raced at the Miami International Autodrome prior to this event, which further adds to the significance of his achievement. The circuit is one of the tracks on the F1 schedule where Formula 2 does not compete, making this the first time he navigated this specific layout. Adding to the pressure, it was a sprint weekend, meaning there was only one hour of practice preceding the qualifying round, leaving no room for error. Despite these challenges, Antonelli's outstanding performance during the crucial SQ3 session demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion. While many of the top contenders attempted to put in their final laps, Antonelli's speed placed him firmly ahead, allowing him to start on the front row for the sprint race. With his sights set on breaking further barriers, Antonelli now faces the task of converting pole position into a successful race result, as he looks to impress both fans and competitors alike in the following event.