CNN
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Andrea Kimi Antonelli has become the driver who won the F1 pole position in any race format on Friday, and has won the F1 pole position in any race format to ensure he starts before the grid in the Miami Grand Prix sprint event.
The 18-year-old produced some incredible performances in the sprint qualifying, piping both McLaren drivers into the top spot and finishing just 0.045 seconds ahead of championship leader Oscar Piastri, with Randnoris in third place.
Antonelli’s Mercedes teammate George Russell came in fifth and fifth behind the McLaren duo and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Italians are increasing their habit of becoming the youngest F1 driver to reach various milestones. In April, he recorded the fastest lap at the Grand Prix and became the youngest driver to lead the race. Such a landmark highlights his immense potential in sports.
“I feel the moon. I wasn’t expecting it, but I felt good in the car,” he told broadcaster Sky Sports.
“To be honest, I didn’t see it coming. The rap was good. I was happy with it. How did it come together? There were still some bits that could have been a little better, but I was very pleased with the way we put all the sectors together.
“Right now I enjoy this moment a little more, but at the same time, I try to focus on tomorrow because it’s better to repeat myself.”
After Antoneri was finished, he went straight to the Mercedes garage to find his father, Marco, and the two shared an embrace.
“He’s like a rock to me, because I can always rely on him and I’m really happy to share this moment with him,” he said afterwards.
He will have a great opportunity to win his first Formula One race on Saturday, before the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday.
