Chinese Grand Prix 2026: Kimi Antonelli Makes F1 History With Maiden Pole At Chinese Grand Prix

Kimi Antonelli made Formula 1 history at the Chinese Grand Prix 2026 on Saturday (March 14). The 19-year-old Italian prodigy secured his first F1 career pole with a time of 1:32.064, beating Mercedes teammate George Russell by 0.222 seconds at the Shanghai International Circuit. Born on August 25, 2006, he's now the youngest-ever pole-sitter in the sport's history. Ferrari pair, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, locked the second row, ahead of McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen took 8th, ahead of Isack Hadjar, but the Red Bull duo was outpaced by Pierre Gasly of Alpine. Haas' Pierre Gasly settled for 10th on the grid.

Updated on: 14 March 2026 4:47 pm

Published at: 14 March 2026 4:47 pm

Chinese Formula One Grand Prix 2026 Qualifying session-Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy gestures after getting the pole position during the qualifying session of the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, in Shanghai, China. | Photo: AP/Vincent Thian

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Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, left, of Italy is hugged by Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain after getting the pole position as Mercedes driver George Russell, right,of Britain walks by after the qualifying session of the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, in Shanghai, China. | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

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Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy steers his car during the qualifying session of the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, in Shanghai, China. | Photo: AP/Vincent Thian

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Chinese Formula One Grand Prix 2026 Qualifying session-Max Verstappen

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during the qualifying session of the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, in Shanghai, China. | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

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Chinese Formula One Grand Prix 2026 Qualifying session-George Russell

Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain steers his car during the qualifying session of the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, in Shanghai, China. | Photo: AP/Vincent Thian

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Chinese Formula One Grand Prix 2026 Qualifying session-Lewis Hamilton

Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car during the qualifying session of the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, in Shanghai, China. | Photo: AP/Vincent Thian

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Chinese Formula One Grand Prix 2026 Qualifying session-

Fans cheer during the qualifying session of the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, in Shanghai, China. | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

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Chinese Formula One Grand Prix 2026 Qualifying session-Oscar Piastri

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri of Australia steers his car during the qualifying session of the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, in Shanghai, China. | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

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Cars line up during the qualifying session of the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, in Shanghai, China. | Photo: AP/Andy Wong