Kimi Antonelli Makes History with F1 Miami Grand Prix Pole Position

MIAMI, Florida – Kimi Antonelli has made history by securing pole position for the 2025 F1 Miami Grand Prix Sprint, becoming the youngest driver to achieve this milestone. At just 18 years and 8 months old, Antonelli broke Sebastian Vettel‘s 17-year-old record, previously set in 2008.

Antonelli’s achievement came as he qualified just 0.045 seconds ahead of championship leader Oscar Piastri. The two drivers will lead the front row, with Lando Norris finishing third, Max Verstappen fourth, and Lewis Hamilton in seventh.

This pole position marks the first for an Italian driver since Giancarlo Fisichella in 2009. “I didn’t see that coming, to be honest,” Antonelli said, reflecting on his performance. He aims to capitalize on this success in the upcoming sprint race.

However, Antonelli’s team faced challenges. Yuki Tsunoda, who qualified sixth, will start from the pit lane after his team made an illegal suspension adjustment during parc ferme. In a further blow, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc crashed during a reconnaissance lap due to heavy rain, resulting in significant damage to his car and leaving him unable to participate in the sprint.

“The conditions have turned challenging quickly,” Piastri noted. “With rain causing slippery track conditions, the sprint is going to test everyone’s skills.” Meanwhile, the FIA has confirmed the starting grid remains provisional until the race begins.

The full starting grid for the 2025 F1 Miami Grand Prix Sprint is as follows:

1. Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes
2. Oscar Piastri – McLaren
3. Lando Norris – McLaren
4. Max Verstappen – Red Bull
5. George Russell – Mercedes
6. Charles Leclerc – Ferrari (DNS)
7. Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari
8. Alex Albon – Williams
9. Isack Hadjar – Racing Bulls
10. Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin
11. Nico Hulkenberg – Stake
12. Esteban Ocon – Haas
13. Pierre Gasly – Alpine
14. Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls
15. Carlos Sainz – Williams
16. Lance Stroll – Aston Martin
17. Jack Doohan – Alpine
18. Gabriel Bortoleto – Stake
19. Ollie Bearman – Haas
20. Yuki Tsunoda – Red Bull (PIT-LANE)

The sprint race will take place later today, and all eyes will be on Antonelli as he aims to deliver a strong performance.