The Italian bounced back from earlier issues in the Sprint race to set a benchmark time of 1m32.064s, storming to the front of the field and pipping teammate George Russell by 0.222s.
Russell’s lap came in the dying seconds on his first attempt in Q3, after the championship leader was hampered by mechanical issues at the start of the session. His Mercedes team did a stellar job to get him back out on track in time to post a lap.
Lewis Hamilton finished third, 0.351s behind Antonelli, with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc one place further back in fourth.
The McLaren pair of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris will line up fifth and sixth respectively, with the Australian once again outqualifying his world champion teammate for the second consecutive race.
Out front, Antonelli showcased why he is considered one of the sport’s brightest young stars, backing up his maiden Sprint pole in Miami last year with his first grand prix pole, surpassing Sebastian Vettel as Formula 1’s youngest-ever pole-sitter at just 19 years old.
More to come
