The 2026 Formula 1 season continues to have a clear protagonist: Kimi Antonelli. The young Italian Mercedes driver took pole position this Saturday for the Monaco Grand Prix, the sixth round of the calendar, after putting in a spectacular lap that allowed him to beat the Dutchman Max Verstappen by just 43 thousandths.
This is the fourth pole of the year for Antonelli in just six Grand Prix, another demonstration of the dominance he is exerting in his first full campaign fighting for the championship.
“I did one of those laps that can be said to be magical. It was good from start to finish, it’s incredible. It was a difficult fight against Max. Thanks to my entire team, yesterday we were a little behind and today we managed to find those tenths that we were missing,” declared the World Championship leader after qualifying.
The Italian had already shown great pace during the third free practice session and confirmed his aspirations in the decisive session, where he once again won when it mattered most.
Verstappen warns: the battle is not over
Although he did not manage to take pole position from the Mercedes driver, Max Verstappen was satisfied with the result after a difficult Friday for Red Bull.
“If you had told me yesterday that I would be on the front line, I wouldn’t have believed it. It’s extremely positive, I’m very happy to be in front and we’ll see what happens at the start tomorrow,” said the four-time world champion.
On a circuit where overtaking is extremely difficult, the Dutchman knows that a good start could completely change the outlook of the race.
Leclerc once again stays close to his audience
The great local hope was Charles Leclerc. The Ferrari driver made Monegasque fans dream by provisionally setting the best time in Q3, but finally had to settle for fourth position on the grid.
“I don’t know what happened to the brakes, the car was very irregular,” lamented the Ferrari driver, frustrated at not being able to fight until the end for pole on the streets where he always wants to shine.
Lewis Hamilton managed to place the other Ferrari in third position, thus completing a second row that promises emotions at the start.
Russell still can’t find answers
One of the negative proper names in the classification was once again George Russell. The Briton could only finish sixth and publicly acknowledged that he is going through one of the most complicated moments of the season.
“I don’t know what’s happening, I have no explanation. Maybe it’s my way of driving that causes problems for the car in qualifying because for three races I’ve been far away, while at the beginning I was doing better,” admitted the Mercedes driver.
While Antonelli accumulates poles and victories, Russell continues without finding the necessary performance to fight for the top positions.
Fernando Alonso explodes against the current cars
The day also left strong statements from Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard finished in 21st position and was eliminated in Q1 along with his teammate Lance Stroll, reflecting Aston Martin’s enormous difficulties.
“This is the worst generation of single-seaters I have driven in Monaco,” said the two-time world champion.
Alonso went even further in his criticism of the current regulations.
“Hybrid vehicles should not race. It’s as simple as that,” said the Asturian, visibly frustrated after a forgettable classification.
Antonelli looks for another victory to extend his lead
The pole achieved by Antonelli also has important historical value. It is the first for Mercedes in Monaco since that achieved by Lewis Hamilton in 2019 and the first for an Italian driver in the Principality since Jarno Trulli in 2004.
If he manages to maintain his position at the start and avoid the problems he has suffered in some starts this season, the championship leader will have an unbeatable opportunity to add another victory and give another blow to the table in the fight for the world title.
With Verstappen at his side, Hamilton right behind and Leclerc driven by the support of his fans, the Monaco Grand Prix promises a high-voltage battle in the narrow streets of the Principality.
