Brutal! Kimi Antonelli Takes Monaco Pole From Verstappen by 0.043s as Aston Martin Hits Rock Bottom

No one can contend with Kimi Antonelli. The world championship leader will also start from pole in Monaco, thus establishing himself as the favorite for victory, even though the Ferraris looked faster. Antonelli clocked in at 1:12.051, leaving Max Verstappen with a disbelief as he savored pole position.

Far from this battle lies Aston Martin. In a chassis-driven circuit where they theoretically should have fared better, Fernando Alonso’s team has hit rock bottom. The Asturian and Lance Stroll finished last and second-to-last, making it clear that Honda is not the sole culprit behind Aston Martin’s problems.

Charles Leclerc crash in the final minute

43 thousandths. That is what separated Kimi Antonelli from Max Verstappen to take pole at the Monaco Grand Prix. The Italian driver delivered a magical lap on the final corner to stun a Verstappen who was already savoring pole, and by extension the year’s first victory.

Ferrari started Monaco as favorites, but when it came to the point they found two very strong hidden rivals. Lewis Hamilton only managed third, while Charles Leclerc dropped to fourth after a scare and a chaotic Q3 in which he once again disappointed.

What is becoming hard to explain is George Russell. The Mercedes driver is light-years behind his teammate. In Monaco he finished sixth, even behind Isack Hadjar, and it can be considered a good result given how the weekend had progressed and what that car could do, which in Antonelli’s hands will start from pole.

The two McLarens were never in the running for pole, but they fulfilled their task with seventh and eighth places, with Oscar Piastri ahead of Lando Norris. Audi’s disappointment, which had been targeting Q3 left them out with both cars, and Gabriel Bortoleto crashing. It was Pierre Gasly and Liam Lawson who claimed Q3 spots.

Carlos Sainz will have to dig deep if he wants to maintain his streak of scoring in Monaco. The Spanish driver made a small error on his final Q2 lap that prevented him from making the cut, so he will start twelfth, right behind his teammate Alexander Albon

Regarding Aston Martin, their situation is dire. On a chassis-focused circuit, it has become clear that not all of their woes come from the Honda engine. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll finished last and second-to-last, with the Spaniard ahead of his teammate to keep his streak of consecutive points finishes alive.

Monaco Grand Prix 2026 F1 Qualifying Results

Images | Audi, Mercedes