Antonelli stuns Verstappen to take Monaco pole

Kimi Antonelli produced a stunning final flying lap to snatch pole position from Max Verstappen in the closing seconds of qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix, in a dramatic session around the streets of Monte Carlo.

The 19-year-old Italian, driving for Scuderia Ferrari, set a blistering time of one minute 12.051 seconds to secure his fourth pole of the season. The result extends Mercedes’ dominant qualifying streak to six out of six this year, underlining his rapid rise in Formula 1.

Antonelli edged out reigning champion Max Verstappen in the final moments of a tense Q3 session, where margins between the front-runners were razor-thin.

“It was one of those laps that we call a magic lap,” Antonelli said after climbing from his car and embracing his father, Marco.

“I was able to put it all together and it was such a close qualifying with Max.

“In the first run in Q3 there was just one millisecond between us. I knew the last lap was good, I was just hoping that it would be enough. But it was very close.”

The final seconds of qualifying delivered a dramatic sequence of provisional pole changes, with Charles Leclerc briefly on top before Verstappen and then Antonelli responded with even faster laps.

Antonelli said the result was especially satisfying given earlier struggles in the weekend.

“I am very happy with that and massive thanks to the team because yesterday we struggled a little bit and today we were able to improve massively,” he said.

“This is one of the most intense qualifying sessions of the year. When you are trying to find the last two tenths, the walls start to come closer and it becomes very difficult to build confidence, but I felt great this morning and I am happy we could finish the job.”

Despite increasing attention around his performances, Antonelli insisted he had not felt added pressure.

“For sure, I am just enjoying the driving, enjoying the car, enjoying the weekend,” he said.

“That is a big step compared to last year. It is really nice to be able to enjoy the sessions and now I am looking forward to tomorrow.”

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will start third for Ferrari after another competitive qualifying performance.

“Congrats to Kimi,” Hamilton said. “A mega, mega job. Having your first pole here is so special.”