Kimi Antonelli Stuns Monaco To Take Pole, Edges Verstappen In Thrilling Qualifying

Last Updated:June 07, 2026, 07:37 IST

Kimi Antonelli edged Max Verstappen by just 0.043 seconds to claim Monaco GP pole, continuing his remarkable season with a stunning final-lap performance.

Teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli continued his dream Formula 1 season by snatching pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix, edging out four-time world champion Max Verstappen in a dramatic qualifying session on Saturday.

The 19-year-old Mercedes driver delivered a breathtaking final lap around the streets of Monte Carlo, clocking a best time of 1:12.051 to beat Verstappen by just 0.043 seconds.

It was Antonelli’s fourth pole position of the season and another statement performance from the championship leader, who now has the chance to become the first Italian driver since Alberto Ascari in 1952 to win five consecutive Formula One races.

“It was so close with Max!" Antonelli said after stepping out of the car.

“I produced a magic lap."

Teen Star Continues Historic Rise

Antonelli’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Already the youngest driver on the grid, the Italian has now extended Mercedes’ streak to six consecutive pole positions while becoming the first Mercedes driver to start from pole in Monaco since Lewis Hamilton in 2019.

His achievement carried extra significance for Italian motorsport as well. Antonelli became the first Italian to claim pole position in Monaco since Jarno Trulli achieved the feat back in 2004.

Behind the front-row duo, Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton secured third place ahead of hometown favourite Charles Leclerc, who had briefly looked set to delight the Monte Carlo crowd with pole before the late drama unfolded.

Isack Hadjar impressed again to qualify fifth for Red Bull, ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell, who trails Antonelli by 43 points in the championship standings.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and reigning world champion Lando Norris could only manage seventh and eighth respectively.

Monaco Drama From Start To Finish

Qualifying delivered its usual Monaco chaos.

A red flag interruption in Q1 was triggered when Gabriel Bortoleto clipped the barriers at the chicane, leaving several drivers scrambling for lap times in the closing moments.

Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso endured a frustrating afternoon, failing to escape Q1 and venting his frustration over the current generation of Formula 1 machinery.

“The worst generation of cars I have driven in Monaco," Alonso said.

“Hybrid cars should not be racing. Simple as that."

Late Pole Twist Silences Monaco Crowd

The final shootout produced a stunning finish.

Leclerc initially thrilled local fans by grabbing provisional pole with a lap of 1:12.351. Moments later, Verstappen appeared to have stolen it with a brilliant 1:12.094.

But Antonelli had one final answer.

The Mercedes rookie found even more speed on his decisive lap, taking pole by the narrowest of margins and sparking celebrations throughout the Silver Arrows garage.

(with AFP inputs)

About the Author

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

News sports formula-one Kimi Antonelli Stuns Monaco To Take Pole, Edges Verstappen In Thrilling Qualifying

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