**Young Star Andrea Kimi Antonelli Takes Maiden Sprint Pole in Miami**

In a nail-biting finish at the Miami Grand Prix, Mercedes Formula 1 rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli clinched his first sprint pole, edging out both McLarens. The 18-year-old sensation demonstrated his prowess throughout Friday’s qualifying session, ultimately setting a time of 1m26.482s that held off a last-ditch challenge from duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

**A Tight Battle for Pole Position**

The reigning world champion, Max Verstappen, ended up fourth-fastest, with Antonelli’s Mercedes teammate George Russell in fifth and the Ferrari pair of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton rounding out the top 5. Alex Albon secured eighth place for Williams, while Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar impressively claimed ninth. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso completed the top 10.

In the decisive top 10 shootout, Russell and Verstappen were the early runners, enjoying a clear track at the start. The remaining eight drivers joined the fray at the end, with Verstappen embarking on a second lap. Despite improving his time, Verstappen couldn’t match Antonelli’s pace, who celebrated wildly as he secured his maiden sprint pole.

**Traffic Woes Disrupt Qualifying**

The SQ2 phase saw eliminations for Nico Hulkenberg, Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson, and Carlos Sainz. Norris topped the second qualifying phase ahead of Verstappen, Piastri, and Antonelli. The start of the 12-minute SQ1 session was chaotic, with 20 cars jostling for track position.

Antonelli led the way after the first run, but due to rapid track evolution, all drivers embarked on a second tour – except Verstappen. Finding clear air became challenging, and Jack Doohan, Yuki Tsunoda, Gabriel Bortoleto, Oliver Bearman, and Hadjar found themselves in the drop zone after the first run.

Hadjar managed to climb to eighth and secure a spot in SQ2, but traffic issues hampered Doohan, Tsunoda, and Bearman, who ran out of time for a second attempt, much to their frustration. Lawson just about made it through in 15th despite a close call through the chicane.

The Miami Grand Prix sprint race takes place on Saturday at noon local time over 19 laps across the Miami Autodrome. Stay tuned for the latest F1 Miami Grand Prix news, expert analysis, photos, and videos. Join us for Sunday’s watch along on Race Center Live by signing up here.