Opening winner George Russell is slowed down by technical problems in Shanghai. But his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli shone in the qualification.
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli became the youngest driver in Formula 1 history to secure a pole position. The Italian raced to first place on the grid for the first time in his career in qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix on Saturday at the age of just 19 years and 201 days.
Antonelli thus displaced the previous leader Sebastian Vettel, who sensationally took pole for Toro Rosso in Monza in 2008 at the age of 21 years and 73 days. Almost a year ago, Antonelli had already taken first place on the grid in Formula 1 – but only for the sprint in Miami. “I’m absolutely happy,” said Antonelli. “Good session, no mistakes, I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
Antonelli relegated Australia’s opening winner and teammate George Russell, who had to struggle with some technical problems and successfully limited the damage in the end, to second place. Record world champion Lewis Hamilton came third in a Ferrari. Four-time champion Max Verstappen only managed eighth place in the Red Bull. Nico Hülkenberg completed the hunt for a starting position in the Audi in eleventh place.
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