Chinese GP – Qualifying: First F1 pole for Kimi Antonelli, Ferraris on the second row

There was a bit more suspense in this qualifying session for the Chinese Grand Prix than in the first two sessions held this season. The overwhelming favorite for a third consecutive pole position after those achieved in Melbourne and for the Shanghai Sprint, George Russell wasn't as dominant as usual. The Briton had a more challenging Q2, complaining of significant understeer and instability on his W17, to the point of suspecting a problem with the front wing. The part was changed on the car of the championship leader before Q3, but Russell had to stop on track, unable to shift gears.

⚠️ RUSSELL ALERT ⚠️

The championship leader is stopped on the track at the start of Q3!

The final qualifying rounds are now on CANAL+SPORT! #ChineseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/lyRyQ2A8T1

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) March 14, 2026

Having returned to the pits at a slow pace, the King's Lynn native was able to leave the pits a few minutes before the end of the session, but his chaotic start proved costly: he missed out by two-tenths of a second on the time set by his teammate Kimi Antonelli, who, at 19, became the youngest pole-sitter in Formula 1 history. By breaking the record for precocity of Sebastian Vettel (On pole at Monza in 2008 at 21 years old), the 19-year-old driver managed to beat his teammate for the first time this season and will be a contender for the overall victory if he can hold off George Russell's desire for revenge. Behind the Silver Arrows, the drivers Classic Ferrari for sale made a good impression by locking down the second line. Lewis Hamilton will start third ahead Charles Leclercand the two men will try to reproduce the scenario of the Sprint where they had greatly annoyed George Russell.

ALSO READ > Russell vs. Ferrari: The crazy sprint of the Chinese GP as told by the top three

Antonelli is the youngest pole-sitter in F1 history! ⚡️🇨🇳

The Italian finished ahead of his teammate Russell, who had problems at the end of qualifying.

Next come the Ferraris, the McLaren et Pierre Gasly, 7th ahead of the Red Bull 👏 #ChineseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/OaKnLRTKfl

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) March 14, 2026

Hadjar and Gasly in the top 10, not Ocon

The good news for the French comes from Pierre Gasly's seventh place, ahead of the two Red Bulls. Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. The Frenchman has a great opportunity to score points again after his single point in Australia. His teammate, Franco Colapinto, was unlucky, missing out on Q3 by just 0.005 seconds over Isack Hadjar, the last driver to qualify.

It was even more cruel for Nico HulkenbergHe remained in eleventh position, just 0.002 seconds behind. Audi did not advance to Q3 after the German driver and Gabriel Bortoleto were eliminated in Q2 after the latter went off the track at the final corner. The Brazilian caused a yellow flag but managed to return to the pits without race control needing to display a red flag.

Bortoleto is spinning out of control 😱

Impressive end to Q2 for the Brazilian! #ChineseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/Q5SrkCJbCf

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) March 14, 2026

The yellow flag in the final sector hampered the attempts of several pilots, including Esteban Oconfrustrated to finish 13th while his teammate Oliver Bearman once again reached Q3 (10th on the grid). Further back in the field, there were no surprises in Q1: both Cadillacs were eliminated along with the two Aston Martin and both Williamsthat is, the same ten cars that were eliminated in Q1 in Melbourne.

The race will start on Sunday, March 15th at 8am, Paris time.

ALSO READ > Relive the qualifying of the Chinese Grand Prix with live commentary

F1 – Chinese Grand Prix
The qualifying rankings