Monaco Grand Prix 2026: Antonelli claims stunning pole position in Monte-Carlo
Kimi Antonelli claimed pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in a dramatic qualifying session.
Kimi Antonelli will start Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix from pole position after setting the fastest lap in a closely fought qualifying session on the streets of Monte-Carlo.
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The Mercedes driver continued his impressive run of form by securing the top spot on the grid with a lap of 1:12.051, giving himself a major advantage at a circuit where overtaking is notoriously difficult.
Qualifying was briefly interrupted in Q1 after Gabriel Bortoleto crashed at the Port Chicane, bringing out the red flag.
Among the drivers eliminated in the opening session were Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll, Sergio Pérez and Esteban Ocon.
Q2 then saw both Williams drivers, Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon, miss out on the final shootout, along with Nico Hülkenberg, Franco Colapinto, Arvid Lindblad and Bortoleto.
In Q3, Antonelli delivered when it mattered most, beating Max Verstappen to pole position, while Lewis Hamilton secured third place for Ferrari.
Top three in qualifying:
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
With Monaco's narrow streets placing huge importance on qualifying, Antonelli will head into Sunday's race as the driver to beat.
