Kimi Antonelli proved impossible to beat in Qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, edging out his Mercedes team mate George Russell in the battle for pole position.
After he became the sport’s youngest-ever polesitter last time out in China, the Italian driver delivered another mighty performance with a 1m 28.778s lap at the Suzuka Circuit to deny Russell by 0.298s.
The fight to stay at the top seemed like it would be close after Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc looked strong throughout Q1 and Q2, but Antonelli’s first flying lap in the final part of the session was more than enough to beat his rivals.
He will now be aiming to carry that momentum into Sunday’s race and chase down his second win of the season, especially with pole position historically providing a significant advantage at this track.
Hit go on the video player above to watch Antonelli’s pole lap in Japan.
