Kimi Antonelli claimed a sensational maiden pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix after a dramatic Q3 shootout in Monte Carlo. The Mercedes driver delivered a stunning final lap of 1:12.051 to snatch P1 from Max Verstappen by just 0.043 seconds.

Lewis Hamilton secured third place for Ferrari, a little over two tenths behind Antonelli. Home favorite Charles Leclercendured a frustrating session, briefly taking provisional pole before hitting the wall on his final attempt, leaving him fourth.

Further back, Isack Hadjar impressed in fifth, ahead of Antonelli’s teammate George Russell in sixth. The McLaren Formula 1 Team pair of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris qualified seventh and eighth respectively, while Pierre Gasly and Liam Lawson completed the top ten.

Notable eliminations included the Williams pair of Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz in 11th and 12th, while Gabriel Bortoletocrashed in Q1 and could not participate in Q2. Meanwhile, both Haas drivers—Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman—were eliminated in Q1.

At the back, Valtteri Bottas qualified 20th, while the Aston Martin duo of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll endured a disastrous session, finishing 21st and 22nd.

The result gives Antonelli the best possible starting position on Monaco’s notoriously difficult-to-overtake street circuit and a major opportunity to secure one of the biggest victories of his young Formula 1 career.

2026 Monaco Grand Prix Qualifying: Results