Sprint Qualifying Report - Antonelli stuns field for Sprint pole in Miami

Andrea Kimi Antonelli
© Mercedes

Mercedes teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli claimed his first Formula 1 sprint pole position with a sensational lap at the Miami Grand Prix, beating both McLaren drivers in a thrilling SQ3 finale. The 18-year-old set a benchmark of 1m26.482s, holding off Oscar Piastri (1m26.527s) and Lando Norris (1m26.582s) to secure top spot by the narrowest of margins.

Antonelli, making just his fifth F1 weekend appearance, topped SQ1 and was fourth in SQ2 before delivering a perfect final lap when it counted most. He becomes the youngest polesitter in an F1 sprint, underlining his status as a future star.

Max Verstappen was fourth with a 1m26.626s, unable to improve enough on his second run after going out early in the final session. George Russell followed in fifth (1m26.741s), with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc (1m26.773s) and Lewis Hamilton (1m26.812s) slotting into sixth and seventh.

Alex Albon delivered again for Williams with 1m26.944s to go eighth, while Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar bounced back from a shaky SQ1 to post 1m27.021s in ninth. Fernando Alonso completed the top ten for Aston Martin on 1m27.125s.

Norris led SQ2 with a 1m26.722s, ahead of Verstappen (1m26.738s), Piastri, and Antonelli.

Track evolution made timing crucial, and a late traffic jam at pit exit caught out several drivers. Verstappen skipped a second run in SQ1, while Hadjar redeemed himself after an error on his first lap.

Antonelli’s triumph marks a pivotal moment in his fledgling career. With sprint pole secured, he now eyes his maiden points finish in Saturday’s short-format race.