Antonelli edges Verstappen in qualifying to claim pole for Monaco Grand Prix

Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli celebrates after qualifying in pole position in Monaco
Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli celebrates after qualifying in pole position in Monaco Reuters / Yves Herman

Mercedes ⁠driver Kimi Antonelli snatched pole position for ‌the Monaco Grand Prix after ‌a thrilling qualifying ‌battle on Saturday, edging ‌out Max Verstappen with his ‌final lap.

The 19-year-old Italian, leading the world ‌championship after four successive ⁠victories, ‌went 0.043 quicker than Red ​Bull's Verstappen, who will start on ​the front row.

Ferrari, strongly tipped as race favourites, ⁠had to ​be content with the second row on Sunday's grid with Lewis ‌Hamilton third quickest, 0.228 slower, and local favourite Charles Leclerc, winner of the race in 2024, fourth.

Isack Hadjar, in the second Red Bull, was fifth, with Antonelli's ‌teammate George Russell ​a disappointing sixth.

Reigning world ‌champion and last year's Monaco winner Lando Norris will be on the fourth row ⁠alongside ⁠fellow McLaren ‌driver Oscar Piastri.