Kimi Antonelli grew to become Components 1’s youngest ever pole-sitter as he edged out his Mercedes team-mate George Russell in qualifying for the Chinese language Grand Prix.
Russell, who gained the Dash earlier on Saturday, appeared to have the sting over Antonelli however suffered a technical problem within the ultimate a part of qualifying that restricted him to 1 rushed lap on the finish of the session.
Antonelli took full benefit of getting two clear runs in, setting a time of 1:32.064 on his second effort to beat Russell by 0.222s as Mercedes locked out the entrance row for the third time in as many qualifying classes this season.
The 19-year-old breaks a file set by four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, who claimed his first F1 pole on the age of 21 on the 2008 Italian Grand Prix when he was driving for Toro Rosso.
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George Russell stops at first Q3 after an issue along with his Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton produced one other encouraging show as he edged out his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc for third, with little greater than a hundredth of a second separating the pair as they completed three tenths again from Antonelli.
Oscar Piastri beat his McLaren team-mate Lando Norris to fifth because the reigning constructors’ champions confirmed some enchancment however nonetheless lacked the tempo to problem for pole.
Max Verstappen’s powerful begin to the season with Purple Bull continued as he might solely qualify eighth, ending behind Alpine’s Pierre Gasly.
Extra to comply with…
Sky Sports activities F1’s Chinese language GP schedule
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A glance again on the wildest moments caught on the onboard cameras on the Chinese language Grand Prix
Sunday March 15
2.35am: F1 Academy Race 2*
5.30am: Chinese language GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
7am: THE CHINESE GRAND PRIX*
9am: Chinese language GP response: Chequered Flag*
10am: Ted’s Pocket book*
*Additionally on Sky Sports activities Major Occasion
Components 1 is in Shanghai for the primary Dash weekend of the 2026 season on the Chinese language Grand Prix, reside on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
