Kimi Antonelli snatched pole position for the 2026 Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix from the clutches of Max Verstappen, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable race in the luxurious Principality.
The young Mercedes driver carved through the field with a lap time of 1:12.051, beating Red Bull’s Verstappen by just 0.043 seconds as the pair locked out the front row for Sunday’s race.
While overtaking in Monaco comes at a premium, Antonelli is tipped to claim his fifth consecutive grand prix victory and extend his world championship lead over teammate George Russell.
Ferrari duo of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will share row two, while Isack Hadjar and Russell start from row 3, creating one of the most thrilling starting formations in recent Monaco history.
McLaren occupies the fourth row after struggling in qualifying with Oscar Piastri starting seventh ahead of reigning world champion Lando Norris, as Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson round out the top ten.
F1 Monaco GP Qualifying Report: Kimi Antonelli beats Max Verstappen to pole
F1 Monaco Grand Prix schedule: Start time, how to watch
2026 F1 Monaco Grand Prix starting grid
| Pos | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
| 2 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
| 3 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari |
| 4 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari |
| 5 | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull |
| 6 | George Russell | Mercedes |
| 7 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 8 | Lando Norris | McLaren |
| 9 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine |
| 10 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls |
| 11 | Alex Albon | Williams |
| 12 | Carlos Sainz | Williams |
| 13 | Nico Hulkenberg | Audi |
| 14 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine |
| 15 | Arvid Lindblad | Racing Bulls |
| 16 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Audi |
| 17 | Esteban Ocon | Haas |
| 18 | Sergio Perez | Cadillac |
| 19 | Oliver Bearman | Haas |
| 20 | Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac |
| 21 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin |
| 22 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin |
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