Kimi Antonelli took pole position for the Formula 1 Chinese GP in Shanghai, becoming the youngest pole-sitter in the history of the category – a record previously held by Sebastian Vettel. The Mercedes driver led qualifying with George Russell in second, securing a front-row lockout for the team, while Lewis Hamilton put Ferrari in third position on the grid.
Read more F1: Antonelli explains secret of historic pole at the Chinese GP
Gabriel Bortoleto finished the session in 16th place with Audi after being eliminated in Q2. The Brazilian had progressed well in the first phase, but spun at the last corner during his final attempt, lightly touching the barrier and leaving him with no chance to improve his qualifying time.
Read more F1: “It’s completely my fault,” says Bortoleto after qualifying error in China
Check out the full qualifying results for the 2026 Chinese GP:
1) Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), 1’32.064
2) George Russell (Mercedes), 1’32.286 (+0.222)
3) Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), 1’32.415 (+0.351)
4) Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), 1’32.428 (+0.364)
5) Oscar Piastri (McLaren/Mercedes), 1’32.550 (+0.486)
6) Lando Norris (McLaren/Mercedes), 1’32.608 (+0.544)
7) Pierre Gasly (Alpine/Mercedes), 1’32.873 (+0.809)
8) Max Verstappen (Red Bull/Red Bull Ford), 1’33.002 (+0.938)
9) Isack Hadjar (Red Bull/Red Bull Ford), 1’33.121 (+1.057)
10) Oliver Bearman (Haas/Ferrari), 1’33.292 (+1.228)
11) Nico Hülkenberg (Audi), 1’33.354 (+1.290)
12) Franco Colapinto (Alpine/Mercedes), 1’33.357 (+1.293)
13) Esteban Ocon (Haas/Ferrari), 1’33.538 (+1.474)
14) Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls/Red Bull Ford), 1’33.765 (+1.701)
15) Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls/Red Bull Ford), 1’33.784 (+1.720)
16) Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi), 1’33.965 (+1.901)
17) Carlos Sainz (Williams/Mercedes), 1’34.317 (+2.253)
18) Alexander Albon (Williams/Mercedes), 1’34.772 (+2.708)
19) Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin/Honda), 1’35.203 (+3.139)
20) Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac/Ferrari), 1’35.436 (+3.372)
21) Lance Stroll (Aston Martin/Honda), 1’35.995 (+3.931)
22) Sergio Pérez (Cadillac/Ferrari), 1’36.906 (+4.842)
Read more F1: Russell overcomes problems and celebrates P2 on the grid in China
