PA

Mar 14, 2026, 06:59 AM ET

Kimi Antonelli became the youngest pole-sitter in Formula 1 history after George Russell was struck down by a gearbox problem in qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix.

Russell was still able to take second on the grid as Mercedes secured a second straight front-row lockout, but the world championship leader was restricted to just one flying lap in Shanghai after he stopped on track with mechanical gremlins in the early part of Q3.

Russell emerged from his garage with just two minutes remaining, but he could not match teammate Antonelli's lap, with the Italian ending the session 0.222 seconds clear.

Antonelli (19 years, six months and 18 days old) breaks Sebastian Vettel's record, held for 18 years, as the youngest driver to take top spot in qualifying.

Vettel was 21 years, two months and 11 days old when he stormed to the pole at the Italian Grand Prix in 2008.

Lewis Hamilton finished third in his Ferrari, one place ahead of Charles Leclerc in the other scarlet car.

Oscar…