Andrea Kimi Antonelli takes pole for 2026 Monaco Grand Prix

Nineteen‑year‑old Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix, posting the fastest Q3 lap and edging out Max Verstappen by 0.043 seconds. Antonelli praised his team's overnight improvements and stressed that the pole is "only the first step" toward a potential victory, noting the challenge of three former Monaco winners starting behind him.

Lewis Hamilton, seeking his first Ferrari win, described the race as "impossible" but expressed optimism, saying a good start and perhaps rain could help. His partner, Kim Kardashian, made her first appearance in the Formula One paddock at Monaco, adding a high‑profile personal note to the event. Hamilton acknowledged the difficulty of overtaking on the tight circuit but remains hopeful of upsetting the front‑row starters.