Antonelli Takes Monaco Pole Position for Mercedes

Kimi Antonelli recorded a lap of 1 minute 12.051 seconds in the final moments of qualifying to take pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver finished 0.043 seconds ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen. The result marks the first time an Italian driver has started from pole at Monaco since Jarno Trulli in 2004.

Provisional pole changed hands multiple times during the session before Antonelli claimed the top spot on his final attempt. He described the lap as one where he was able to put everything together. Ferrari drivers occupied the second row. Lewis Hamilton placed third, 0.228 seconds behind Antonelli, while the fourth position went to the local driver.

"It was one of those laps that we call a magic lap.

I was able to put it all together. It was such a close qualifying with Max," Antonelli said. Hamilton congratulated Antonelli after the session. "Congrats to Kimi. Mega, mega job. Having your first pole here is so special," he said. Antonelli leads the drivers' championship after winning the previous four races.

The narrow Monaco circuit has historically limited overtaking, with only six of the last 22 races won by drivers who did not start from pole.