Image: from Expedientes X @Expedientes_ec
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix after edging Max Verstappen in a dramatic qualifying session that went down to the final moments on the streets of Monte Carlo.
The Mercedes driver, who leads the Formula One world championship, produced a stunning lap of 1:12.051 in the closing seconds of Q3 to deny Verstappen by just 0.043 seconds. The result capped a remarkable turnaround for Mercedes, which had trailed Ferrari throughout Friday’s practice sessions before finding decisive pace when it mattered most.
Lewis Hamilton qualified third for Ferrari, while teammate Charles Leclerc could only manage fourth after a difficult final session that ended with the Monegasque driver brushing the barriers during his last attempt.
One of the biggest surprises of qualifying came from Isack Hadjar, who delivered an impressive fifth place for Racing Bulls, ahead of both McLaren drivers. George Russell qualified sixth, followed by Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, Pierre Gasly, and Liam Lawson.
The Pole was his. Antonelli delivered a magical lap. Verstappen was just 0.043s behind, while Leclerc's challenge ended after hitting the barriers. https://t.co/gX5OEbPxWZ
— Solomon (@iamalijandro) June 6, 2026
Bortoleto Advances but Crash Ends Qualifying Run
The opening phase of qualifying brought drama for Audi and Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto.
Bortoleto appeared comfortably on course to reach Q2 when he clipped the barrier entering the chicane after the tunnel. The impact damaged the suspension and triggered a red flag.
Fortunately for the Brazilian, his earlier lap time was enough to secure progression into Q2. However, the damage prevented him from returning to the track, effectively ending his qualifying session.
When Q1 resumed, drivers on the elimination bubble had only one final opportunity to improve. Carlos Sainz rescued his session with a late lap, while Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll, Valtteri Bottas, Oliver Bearman, Sergio Pérez, and Esteban Ocon were eliminated.
Tight Battle in Q2
The second segment showcased the competitiveness that had defined the entire Monaco weekend.
Leclerc initially set the pace, but Antonelli, Verstappen, and Hamilton quickly joined the fight. Antonelli moved to the top with a lap of 1:12.704 before Verstappen responded with a superb 1:12.499 at the end of the session.
Hadjar continued to impress, placing third in Q2 and demonstrating remarkable speed throughout qualifying.
Hamilton finished sixth, while Bortoleto was officially classified 16th after being unable to return to the circuit. Audi’s hopes of placing both cars in Q3 also faded when Nico Hülkenberg was eliminated in 13th place.
Antonelli Delivers Under Pressure
🔥 Antonelli again
🏎️ Pole in Monaco
⚡ Verstappen 0.043s shy
🔴 Hamilton leads Ferrari
🤯 Closest fight of the season
🏁 Sunday promises fireworks#F1 #MonacoGP #KimiAntonelli #MaxVerstappen #LewisHamilton
👇 Read morehttps://t.co/h3p8p33pSi— GRANDPRIX247.COM (@grandprix247) June 6, 2026
The fight for pole position intensified immediately in Q3.
Lando Norris set the first benchmark before Hamilton briefly moved to the top. Antonelli then claimed provisional pole with a 1:12.375, only one thousandth of a second faster than Verstappen.
Ferrari’s session became complicated when Leclerc was forced back into the pits during the first half of Q3, leaving mechanics scrambling to prepare the car for a final run.
In the decisive minutes, every driver returned to the track on fresh soft tyres. Leclerc briefly appeared to have secured pole, Hamilton moved into second, and Verstappen responded with a lap that seemed good enough to claim the top spot.
But Antonelli still had one final opportunity.
The Italian found crucial time in the final sector and crossed the line with a 1:12.051, reclaiming pole position and securing one of the most significant qualifying performances of his young Formula One career.
Moments later, Leclerc lost control and brushed the barrier during his final attempt, ending any chance of improving his position.
Pole Position Could Be Crucial
0.001s separated them on run one. 0.043s decided it at the flag.
Here’s how Kimi Antonelli got pole in Monaco over Max Verstappen. pic.twitter.com/Yzl6iNzsuX
— Motorsport (@Motorsport) June 6, 2026
The result confirms Mercedes’ impressive progression throughout the weekend. After Ferrari topped both Friday practice sessions, Antonelli led the final practice session and converted that pace into pole position.
In Monaco, where overtaking remains notoriously difficult, starting from the front of the grid provides a major advantage. Antonelli will therefore enter Sunday’s 78-lap race as the favorite for victory.
With Verstappen alongside him on the front row and Ferrari close behind, the Monaco Grand Prix promises a fascinating strategic battle around one of Formula One’s most demanding circuits.
2026 Monaco Grand Prix Starting Grid
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 1:12.051
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 1:12.094
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 1:12.279
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:12.351
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 1:12.434
- George Russell (Mercedes) – 1:12.445
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 1:12.624
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:12.765
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 1:13.226
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – 1:13.412
- Alexander Albon (Williams) – 1:13.787
- Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 1:13.815
- Nico Hülkenberg (Audi) – 1:13.902
- Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – 1:13.995
- Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) – 1:14.248
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) – No Time
- Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 1:14.722
- Sergio Pérez (Cadillac) – 1:14.747
- Oliver Bearman (Haas) – 1:14.814
- Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) – 1:15.283
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 1:15.349
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 1:16.061