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Antonelli Takes Pole Position at Belgian Grand Prix, Edging Out Verstappen
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Sports

Antonelli Takes Pole Position at Belgian Grand Prix, Edging Out Verstappen

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix, narrowly beating four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
  • The 19-year-old Mercedes driver set a blistering pace in the final moments of qualifying.
  • Antonelli celebrated his sixth pole of the season and dedicated it to his father on his birthday.

Formula One championship leader Kimi Antonelli has once again demonstrated his prowess, securing pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix. The 19-year-old Mercedes driver outpaced four-time world champion Max Verstappen in a thrilling qualifying session at Spa-Francorchamps.

Let's go, come on! Let's go!

— Kimi AntonelliShouting over the team radio after securing pole position.

Antonelli clocked the fastest lap of 1 minute 44.361 seconds in the dying moments of qualifying, edging out Verstappen by a margin of 0.317 seconds. This marks his sixth pole position of the season, extending Mercedes' impressive streak of dominating qualifying sessions.

Happy birthday, Dad

— Kimi AntonelliDedicating his pole position to his father on his birthday.

"Let's go, come on! Let's go!" Antonelli exclaimed over the team radio immediately after his blistering lap. He added, "Happy birthday, Dad," dedicating his achievement to his father, Marco, who was celebrating his birthday on race day. The young driver expressed satisfaction with his performance but acknowledged the significant challenge ahead in the race, with Verstappen starting alongside him.

The last lap was really good. It was a very clean lap, so I'm really happy.

— Kimi AntonelliDescribing his qualifying performance.

Antonelli recognized the importance of a strong start and maintaining the lead into Turn 5, especially with Verstappen on the front row. George Russell completed Mercedes' strong showing by qualifying in fourth place, ahead of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen himself admitted that his front-row start was significantly aided by a slipstream 'tow' from teammate Isack Hadjar, suggesting he might have otherwise qualified in sixth.

Tomorrow is a different day. With Max starting next to me, it's crucial to get a good start and stay in front when entering Turn 5.

— Kimi AntonelliDiscussing his strategy for the upcoming race.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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