“Won't be easy, will give my everything”- Mercedes’ rookie Kimi Antonelli reacts after creating history with F1 pole in sprint race

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 3, 2025, 09:52 IST

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the young Mercedes driver, stunned the Formula 1 world by securing pole position for the Miami Grand Prix sprint session, becoming the youngest ever to achieve this feat. He outperformed his teammate George Russell and expressed his joy at sharing the moment with his father.

“Won't be easy, will give my everything”- Mercedes’ rookie Kimi Antonelli reacts after creating history with F1 pole in sprint race

Mercedes’ rookie Kimi Antonelli reacts after creating history with F1 pole in sprint race (Image Source: Getty)

It is a memorable moment for Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who just became the youngest driver to take a Formula 1 pole position for the sprint session at the Miami Grand Prix. Following Antonelli was McLaren’s reigning champion Oscar Piastri and his teammate Lando Norris.

Kimi Antonelli makes history

Barely 18, Andrea Kimi Antonelli has made history. While Antonelli's team-mate George Russell was fifth fastest. Antonelli was outstanding and this was the first time he was able to beat his team-mate Russell in qualifying this season.

After Antonelli secured the stunning spot, he was overjoyed. He said:

"I am over the moon, I did not expect it. I was feeling good in the car. I was able to improve lap by lap and find that consistency and that gap came all together. I am super happy with that. We will enjoy this moment but I want to focus on tomorrow because I really want to try to repeat myself."

As the team celebrated Antonelli’s spot, he hugged his father Marco in the Mercedes garage. Antonelli said:

"It was really nice and also to find him in the garage after qualifying, I am super-happy to share this moment with him. It is so important to me, he is like a rock. I can always rely on him. I would like to share it with my mum and sister as well but hopefully next time."
Starting the sprint from pole gives him a big opportunity to convert it into a first win, given the power of clear air in F1.”

All eyes on Miami Grand Prix

Now, Kimi Antonelli’s entire focus is on the main race. He said:
"It feels fantastic to take my first pole position. When I crossed the line, I thought it was a good lap. I was happy with how it came together. There were a few areas that I felt I could have found a little bit more time, but I was pleased that I managed to hook up all three sectors. I will enjoy this moment but quickly focus on tomorrow as it would be good to repeat today by taking victory in the Sprint itself.”
Further, Antonelli said:
"We know the McLarens, the Ferraris, and the Red Bull of Verstappen have strong race pace. It won’t be easy to keep them behind tomorrow, but I will be giving it my all to do so. It will be important to have a good start and hopefully from there, set a good pace without suffering too much from tyre degradation. After the Sprint, we will have to try and do the job we have done today to secure a good grid position for the Grand Prix on Sunday."
Also Read: Miami Grand Prix: Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli secures F1 sprint pole, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris secure second and third spot

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TOI Sports Desk

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