Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has praised Kimi Antonelli after the teenager secured pole position for the Miami Grand Prix. The 19-year-old Italian clocked a stunning lap time of 1:27.798, making him the youngest championship leader in Formula 1 history.
Antonelli's impressive performance came during Q3, where he finished four-tenths ahead of his closest competitor, clinching pole without needing a second lap.
That first lap, it was really special,
Toto Wolff
Wolff acknowledged Antonelli's rapid rise from a promising talent to a leading contender. He emphasized the importance of balancing the teen's youth and inexperience with his current capabilities.
The Mercedes chief noted, "It's an improvement because in the past he would have ended up in the wall, but now he's showing his speed, which is really nice to see."
Antonelli's achievement places him alongside legends Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher as the only drivers to earn three consecutive poles. When asked about this milestone, he expressed humility, focusing instead on the challenges of the Miami circuit.
"It was very hot and it wasn't easy," he said, highlighting the tricky conditions at the Miami International Autodrome.
Looking ahead to the race, Antonelli expressed concern about the forecasted rain, stating that wet conditions would complicate the start.
"If it's wet and we have a rolling start, that will take the usual start element out of it," he warned.
After Saturday's sprint race, Antonelli leads teammate George Russell in the championship standings, 75 points to 68. He aims for a third consecutive Grand Prix victory following wins in China and Japan.