Kimi Antonelli earns first career front row start but admits: “I’m annoyed to be behind again” | Brazilian GP qualifying. Kimi Antonelli secures his first-ever front row start in Formula 1.

Kimi Antonelli will start from the front row for the first time in his career after an impressive qualifying session for the Brazilian Grand Prix. The young Italian driver continues to show his talent at Interlagos, a challenging circuit on the outskirts of São Paulo. Following his second-place finishes in both the Sprint qualifying and the short race, Antonelli claimed another runner-up spot, once again just behind Lando Norris. However, the Italian is determined for more, as he shared after qualifying.

The Sprint Race had already delivered a glimpse of Kimi Antonelli’s skill and competitiveness, leaving him both happy and slightly frustrated. In the final laps, he was closely chasing the McLaren of Lando Norris, and a pass seemed within reach. However, Lando Norris managed the last tense moments of the short race perfectly, and Kimi Antonelli never truly had a clear overtaking opportunity.

The goal for the main qualifying session was therefore obvious: aim for pole position. Kimi Antonelli came very close, securing second place once again. The only barrier between him and pole was Lando Norris, who produced a spectacular final lap.

Despite the satisfaction of being a standout performer this weekend, Kimi Antonelli admitted that drivers are rarely content with second place: “Actually, I’m a little annoyed because I’m behind again,” he said during his post-qualifying interview.

“We were very close, just like in the Sprint this morning, but it was a tricky session because of the wind — really hard to put a lap together. Still, at the very last moment we managed to produce a solid lap. We’ll start from second tomorrow, and of course they (McLaren and Norris) are very fast. It will be important to get a good start and then try to maintain a strong pace.”

In addition to starting second in today’s Sprint, Kimi Antonelli had previously started from pole in the short race in Miami. As for the main races, the 19-year-old from Bologna will start from the front row for the first time in his brief Formula 1 career.