Mercedes’ 19-year-old driver breaks Vettel’s 15-year record
Kimi Antonelli has become Formula 1’s youngest driver to achieve pole position for a Grand Prix, surpassing a record that has stood since Sebastian Vettel’s 2008 performance at Monza. The Mercedes rookie earned the top grid spot at the Shanghai International Circuit on Saturday, edging out his more experienced teammate George Russell, who secured second place despite encountering mechanical difficulties during the qualifying session.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for Antonelli, who will line up 26 races into his F1 career. The 19-year-old Italian’s breakthrough comes at a pivotal moment for Mercedes, which welcomed him to the team this season following Lewis Hamilton’s departure.
Wolff’s Assessment
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff expressed satisfaction with Antonelli’s progress, characterizing the rookie’s development as remarkably swift. “The decision to give Kimi time to learn while he was still 18 has proven its value,” Wolff remarked, adding that the young driver’s performance demonstrates both his technical skill and psychological growth.
Wolff particularly emphasized Antonelli’s composure, noting that the Italian has developed an impressive ability to remain focused and approach challenges with composure and level-headedness. This mental fortitude, the team principal suggested, distinguishes elite drivers and appears to be one of Antonelli’s strongest attributes.
Learning from Russell
With Russell already establishing himself as a strong performer this season—including victories in Australia and the China Sprint—Antonelli benefits from having a proven benchmark as a teammate. Wolff acknowledged the value of this dynamic, comparing the situation to Russell’s early years alongside Hamilton.
The Chinese Grand Prix will take place Sunday at 3 PM local time, with Antonelli starting from pole position.
