Kimi Antonelli breaks F1 record to claim pole position for Chinese Grand PrixBy Philip Duncan, Press Association F1 Correspondent, ShanghaiKimi Antonelli became the youngest pole-sitter in Formula One history after George Russell was struck down by a gearbox problem in qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix. Antonelli, aged 19 years, six months and 18 days, breaks Sebastian Vettel’s 18-year record as the youngest driver to take top spot in qualifying. Vettel was 21 years, two months and 11 days when he stormed to pole at the Italian Grand Prix in 2008. Russell continued his flawless start to the season with victory in the earlier sprint race to extend his championship advantage to 11 points. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli during qualifying (Vincent Thian/AP) Photo by Vincent ThianRussell managed to get going but the note of his engine indicated that the problem could be terminal.

Source: Irish Independent March 14, 2026 17:18 UTC