Teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli grabs pole for US Grand Prix – a title‑deciding weekend
Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli secured pole at the Circuit of the Americas, setting up a dramatic showdown for the championship on Sunday.
Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli shocked the grid by posting the fastest lap in qualifying for the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). The 19‑year‑old, driving for the Alpine Academy‑linked team, edged out seasoned rivals to claim his first pole position in Formula 1, a feat that could prove decisive in a title fight that remains open heading into the final race.
How Antonelli clinched pole
Antonelli’s lap of 1:33.412 was just 0.08 seconds quicker than the next‑best driver, putting him ahead of the championship leader who qualified third. The young driver said after the session that the COTA layout, with its long straights and heavy braking zones, suited his aggressive braking style. His team, Alpine, highlighted the perfect balance of the car and the driver’s confidence after a strong sprint race weekend in Austin.
Implications for the championship
The US Grand Prix is the penultimate round of the 2024 season, meaning the points on offer could swing the title battle dramatically. Antonelli’s pole places him in a strong position to score a podium, which would tighten the leaders’ points gap ahead of the final showdown in Abu Dhabi. If the current championship leader fails to finish on the podium, the title could be decided in the next race, making Sunday’s sprint and main race crucial for all contenders.
For Indian fans
The race weekend will be broadcast live in India on FanCode, with qualifying starting at 02:00 IST on Saturday and the sprint race at 06:00 IST on Sunday, followed by the Grand Prix at 09:00 IST. Indian viewers can also follow live timing and team radio on the official F1 app. The time‑zone shift means the action will be in the early morning, a perfect slot for dedicated fans to catch the drama.
Antonelli’s breakthrough adds a fresh storyline to an already compelling championship race, and his performance could reshape the final standings as the season heads toward its climax.
Source: BBC Sport