F1 Start Time Set As Antonelli Takes Pole After Russell Issues
F1 Start Time remains set for the Chinese Grand Prix, with Kimi Antonelli on pole after a qualifying session disrupted by gearbox and wing problems for George Russell and an unusual series of incidents that reshaped the provisional grid.
F1 Start Time And Race Order After Qualifying
Kimi Antonelli will begin the Chinese Grand Prix from pole, becoming the youngest polesitter in Formula 1 history at 19 years and 212 days. He led team-mate George Russell by 0. 222 seconds after a dramatic final segment. The front rows are completed by Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in third and fourth, while McLaren locked out the third row with Oscar Piastri ahead of Lando Norris. Pierre Gasly qualified seventh, ahead of Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, with Oliver Bearman securing tenth for Haas.
Race organisers list the lights going out for the event at 1500 local time. The adjusted starting grid remains provisional until official confirmation from the governing body. Alex Albon will start from the pit lane after changes were made to his car’s suspension following qualifying, marking his second pit-lane start in the same round.
What Happened To Russell And Other Notable Incidents
Russell’s car suffered a sequence of problems that threatened to leave him deep on the grid. He described the session as “damage limitation, ” saying it was “a crazy session. Front wing broke at the end of Q2. The team weren’t sure it had broken but I was sure it had. Then got stranded on track and just made it back out in time. It was more a case of just getting a lap done. ” Mercedes repaired the car in time for his final flying lap, which secured second place.
The session also saw Gabriel Bortoleto send his Audi into a gravel trap. It was a difficult qualifying for the Williams and Aston Martin entries, while spectators in the grandstands at the Shanghai International Circuit were treated to an eventful session.
Team Reaction: Wolff Praises Antonelli’s Maturity
Mercedes leadership praised Antonelli after he claimed pole, highlighting his growth and composure. Antonelli said he was “very happy” but acknowledged Russell’s issues may have altered the final outcome. Team management described the youngster’s approach as mature and resilient, noting that his mental strength and ability to compartmentalise were factors in securing pole. Antonelli will make his 26th Grand Prix start in the 56-lap race when the lights go out.
The grid is subject to final confirmation, and teams will prepare overnight for the race start as scheduled at 1500 local time.
