Kimi Antonelli has broken Sebastian Vettel's 18-year record to become the youngest pole position sitter in F1 world championship history.
At 19 years, 6 months, 18 days, Antonelli has become the first teenager to claim grand prix pole position in China, eclipsing Vettel's iconic performance from the 2008 Italian GP, where he was 21 years, 2 months, 11 days old.
Also in the top 10 of the youngest pole-sitters include world champions Fernando Alonso, Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen!
Check out the list of the youngest pole position winners in F1 history after Antonelli's performance in Shanghai below!
Youngest pole sitters in F1 history
| Driver | Age | Race |
|---|---|---|
| Kimi Antonelli | 19 years, 6 months, 18 days | China 2026 |
| Sebastian Vettel | 21 years, 2 months, 11 days | Italy 2008 |
| Charles Leclerc | 21 years, 5 months, 15 days | Bahrain 2019 |
| Fernando Alonso | 21 years, 7 months, 23 days | Malaysia 2003 |
| Max Verstappen | 21 years, 10 months, 5 days | Hungary 2019 |
| Lando Norris | 21 years, 10 months, 13 days | Russia 2021 |
| Lance Stroll | 22 years, 0 months, 17 days | Turkey 2020 |
| Rubens Barrichello | 22 years, 3 months, 5 days | Belgium 1994 |
| Lewis Hamilton | 22 years, 5 months, 3 days | Canada 2007 |
| Andrea de Cesaris | 22 years, 10 months, 4 days | USA West 1982 |
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