Former Formula One World Champion Jenson Button said Kimi Antoneri blew his mind off after taking the “incredible” pole for the Miami Grand Prix Sprint.
In his sixth Formula One event, Antonelli has taken poles from the McLaren duo of Oscar Piastri and Rand Norris, and will have the opportunity to convert the Maiden Paul into a sprint victory when the lights come out in Miami at 5pm on Saturday and live in SkySports F1.
In 18 years and 250 days, Antonelli destroyed the previous record for Sebastian Vettel, the youngest pole sitter in Formula 1, the latter who went as 21 years old.
“He was fast, but he was right behind George. [Russell]. I wasn’t expecting that. It was incredible. Putting it in the pole position of the sprint is a special moment in his time,” said the 2009 F1 World Champion Button.
“We saw him in the incident in Monza. [when he crashed] And that’s what I thought of you Antoneri – incredibly fast, but on the edge.
“But this season he is completely different from that driver. He is calm, collected, he is moving towards his business, progressing slowly, always scoring points in every race.
“That’s not what you’re doing as a new driver. His consistency blew my mind, but he left the ‘boom’ and was given speed too. ”
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Mercedes teenage newcomer Antoneri made history in Formula 1, filmed sprint poles at the Miami Grand Prix, becoming the youngest pole sitter
Antoneri, who replaced Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes this year, is the third youngest F1 driver behind Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll.
Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle previously said Mercedes was “in the hands of another star,” and he was also adored teenagers.
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Miami International Autodrome’s Miami Grand Prix Sprint Qualifying Highlights
“An incredible. What an effort from such a young driver,” Brandle said.
“He has no experience in Miami other than the simulator and went outside and beat the rap, which is an incredible effort.
“Mercedes saw him years ago, they raised him, cared for him, protected him when he actually destroys a car in Monza, where he delivers for them. It’s sensational.”
Patrick analyzes Antoneri’s driving style
Danica Patrick, former NASCAR and INDYCAR driver
“A calm 18! I wouldn’t have been that way. It’s very impressive.
“Looking at his pole lap, he was very smooth, the throttle, the steering, it was smooth.
“Even the sound of him jumping to the brakes was not a jump, it was the press. It’s style and it works for him.”
Davidson: Monza Crash was good in many ways
Antonelli made his Mercedes debut during his first practice at Italian Grand Prix last year, but crashed early in the session a day before the team announced they had chosen him for 2025.
Sky Sports F1’s Anthony Davidson is Mercedes’ simulator driver and believes that the Monza collision actually benefited Antonelli.
“Everyone on the team is excited by your potential and shows that they know that their team is looking for a future driver,” he said.
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Antoneri lost control of Mercedes in her practice debut at the Italian Grand Prix last year.
“Remember, George Russell is also a product of the young driver program. It was a difficult process to go on to fill in the legend of Lewis Hamilton, who has been on the team for a long time.
“It feels like the team is really developing him. He’s in the spotlight with a big team. It’s not easy, so you need a lot of support from the team.
“Yes, he had a moment at Monza, and I think it was good in many ways, because it showed what happens if you’re left on your own device and your team really responds well.”
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Lewis Hamilton shared a healthy interaction with Antonelli, saying how happy he is for a Mercedes rookie
Antonelli: I’m more confident every weekend
Antoneri is sixth in the Formula One Driver Championship, 35 points behind Mercedes teammate Russell, and has been extremely strong up until now this season.
He was the only newcomer who didn’t crash in the Australian rainy season opener, where he hit fourth from 16, earning more points, and was close to Russell in China, Japan and Saudi Arabia.
“Every weekend I learn a lot. I took a break last week. [after Jeddah] It really helped me gather information and process everything and recharge the battery. That was really good,” Antonelli said.
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Watching footage of Antonelli’s brave slow movements with brave Alex Albon, he moves to P4 at Australia’s Grand Prix
“The whole qualification I felt I was able to make step laps with laps. I know more about how to do consistent warm-ups and extract more from the tires, but there’s a lot to improve.
“Every weekend I can be more confident in my car and play around with it and explore the limitations. At the same time, I can get a better understanding from the setup and give the team a much better feedback that will allow the car to be improved.”
Antoneri’s father, Marco Antoneri
Marco Antonelli talking to Sky Sports F1
“We are one of those families who try to tell you that you have to work hard in life, so don’t complain before you know if you’re doing a good job.
“We are a normal family. We work every day. I don’t think we’re anything special other than a family that tries to give our children the best of our lives.
“You understand this and this is the outcome.”
Antonelli couldn’t break the record of being a winner of Verstappen’s Formula 1 race, as he had to win one of the three opening events to beat the Dutch.
Nevertheless, Antonelli can be even more impressed if he can hold back McLaren in his sprint.
“I enjoy this moment, but I’ll focus on Saturday because it’s good to repeat the results,” he added.
“McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull have strong race paces, but we’re pretty close. It’s important to get off to a good start and then set a good pace without deteriorating. [the tyres] excessively. “
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Seeing Antoneri has his say on various hilarious scenarios by evaluating them with different racing flags
Sky Sports F1 Miami GP Schedule
Saturday, May 3rd
3.20pm: F1 Academy Qualifying 4pm: Miami GP Sprint (Race starts at 5pm) 6.30pm: Ted’s Sprint Notebook 7.50pm: F1 Academy Race 18.35pm: Miami GP Qualifying *9pm: Miami GP Qualifying *11pm
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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments that took place around the Miami International Autodrome
Sunday, May 4th
6pm: F1 Academy Race 27.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Miami GP Build-Up*9pm: Miami Grand Prix*11pm: Checkered Flag: Miami GP Reaction*Midnight: Ted Notebook
* Live at Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 will be in Miami on Sprint weekend. Everything should be live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports Now – No Contract, Cancel Anytime
