Kimi Antonelli is looking to convert his record-breaking Chinese Grand Prix pole into a maiden Formula 1 victory on Sunday, and you can follow it all live on ESPN right here:
Despite a gearbox issue for George Russell, Mercedes secured a second straight front-row lockout for the race in Shanghai — Russell was only able to put in one flying lap in Q3, but that was enough with Mercedes’ sheer pace carrying them through to a 1-2 in qualifying. As race pace suggests, Ferrari were right behind — with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari just behind them in 3-4. Watch out for their explosive starting potential on Sunday — even if the Australian Grand Prix and the Sprint race here at the Chinese Grand Prix indicates that Mercedes’ dominance over the course of the race will be very difficult to challenge.
Elsewhere, four-time world champion Max Verstappen continued to voice his displeasure with the Red Bull car after a disappointing qualifying leaving him in eighth on the grid behind Alpine’s Pierre Gasly who impressed.
Oscar Piastri and defending world champion Lando Norris will line up in fifth and sixth respectively for McLaren.
Earlier on Saturday, a dramatic sprint race had seen George Russell hold off Lewis Hamilton’s early challenge, and later Charles Leclerc’s late push to win the sprint and extend his very early lead atop the Drivers’ Championship table.
Kimi Antonelli suffered a poor start in that race but recovered to finish fourth — but it’s the kind of start the record maker will want to avoid from pole today.
