Kimi Antonelli took pole position for the United States Grand Prix this weekend, where he could potentially clinch his first world title.
The Mercedes driver beat Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by 0.179 seconds, with the Dutchman’s teammate Isack Hadjar third ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
Antonelli shouted with joy as he took his first pole position since the Belgian Grand Prix in July and said: “It feels good to be back.”
The 20-year-old Italian will become world champion on Sunday if he wins the race in Austin with Hamilton below fourth and Russell below eighth.
Hamilton is already below that position after qualifying fifth, while Russell will start sixth ahead of the McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
Antonelli’s pole came as a surprise after the Ferraris dominated all three practice sessions and Verstappen looked strong throughout the second part of qualifying.
“I didn’t expect that,” said Antonelli engineer Peter Bonnington, emphasizing that his protégé’s first lap in final qualifying was enough to clinch pole.
Verstappen had finished fourth in Q2 despite worn tires, but found his car lacked the required grip in the final session.
Antonelli said: “We took pole so we will try to win tomorrow but Max was very fast and Isack did an incredible job so it’s not going to be easy.
“We’re trying to get a good start and hopefully get into the first corner and try to set the pace, even though it’s going to be very tight.”
Verstappen said: “Q3 wasn’t good, Q1, Q2 were nice but for some reason the first and second races just didn’t have good balance. No mistakes, just not enough grip. But if it’s still P2, I’ll take it.”
Gn sports
