Formula1.com faviconFormula1.comUnverified1 day agoby Formula 1
0

Antonelli Makes Historic Statement with Maiden Pole at Chinese Grand Prix

Kimi Antonelli achieved a landmark moment in his racing career by securing pole position at the Chinese Grand Prix, breaking the record for the sport's youngest driver to claim top grid spot. The Italian driver expressed his elation following the qualifying session, marking a significant milestone in his Formula 1 journey.

Antonelli Makes Historic Statement with Maiden Pole at Chinese Grand Prix

Kimi Antonelli has etched his name into the history books after a dominant qualifying performance at the Chinese Grand Prix saw him capture pole position for the first time in his Grand Prix career. The achievement carries special significance as the Italian now holds the distinction of being Formula 1's youngest-ever polesitter.

Following the conclusion of qualifying, Antonelli spoke about the magnitude of his accomplishment, revealing that he was "feeling great" after the session. The emotional response from the driver underscores the importance of reaching this particular milestone, which represents both a personal breakthrough and a historic moment for the sport.

The pole position at China serves as a remarkable statement from Antonelli, demonstrating his capabilities against the field and solidifying his emergence as a talent to watch on the current Formula 1 grid.

Original source

Formula1.com

Read Original

Related Regulations

View full text below
sporting Regulations

Hover over badges for quick summaries, or scroll down for full official text and simplified explanations.

Full Regulation Text

Sporting Regulations

Article B2.4.1

FIA Source

Race Qualifying Session

Chapter: B2

In Simple Terms

Qualifying is the session where drivers compete to determine their starting positions for the race. It normally happens on the second day of a Grand Prix weekend, either 2-3 hours after the final practice session (FP3) or 3-4 hours after the Sprint race, depending on the event format.

  • Qualifying determines the race grid order - your position in qualifying decides where you start the race
  • Standard format: held on day two, 2-3 hours after FP3 (free practice 3)
  • Alternative format: held on day two, 3-4 hours after Sprint race
  • Timing varies based on whether the weekend includes a Sprint race or follows the traditional format
Official FIA Text

Qualifying determines Race starting grid. Standard Format: second day, 2-3 hours after FP3. Alternative Format: second day, 3-4 hours after Sprint.

qualifyinggrid positionstarting gridqualifying sessionf1 qualifying
2026 Season Regulations
Sporting Regulations

Article B5.6.1

FIA Source

Green Lights Signal Formation Lap Start

Chapter: B5

In Simple Terms

When the green lights turn on at the start of the race, all drivers who can move safely leave the grid and start the formation lap, with the pole position driver in front. Once all the cars have passed the end of the pit lane, the pit exit opens so any drivers starting from the pit lane can join the formation lap in the correct order.

  • Green lights signal the official start of the formation lap
  • Pole position driver leads the formation lap
  • All cars should leave the grid and participate in the formation lap if able to do so
  • Pit lane starters join after the pit exit opens, maintaining their designated order
Official FIA Text

When the green lights on the start gantry are illuminated, all Cars on the grid able to do so should leave the grid and begin the formation lap with the pole position driver leading. Pit exit opens once all cars pass end of Pit Lane, allowing pit lane starters to join in order.

green lightsformation lapstart gantrypole positionpit exit
2026 Season Regulations