Antonelli edges Verstappen to claim Monaco pole

Kimi Antonelli delivered a stunning final lap to steal pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix, denying Max Verstappen by just 0.043 seconds. Verstappen had looked set for his first pole of 2026 before Antonelli found even more time at the death, securing his fourth career pole and becoming the first Italian to secure pole in Monaco since Jarno Trulli in 2004.

Why it matters:

Monaco pole is the most valuable on the Formula 1 calendar, with overtaking virtually impossible and track position usually dictating the race outcome. For Antonelli, who leads the drivers' standings, the result extends his momentum against a resurgent Verstappen at a critical point in the campaign. The narrow margin also underlines a tight battle at the front that could define the trajectory of the 2026 title fight.

The details:

• Antonelli clocked a 1m12.051s on his final push lap to deny Verstappen, who had grabbed provisional pole with an impressive effort of his own.
• Charles Leclerc clipped the barrier at Tabac with his right rear on a final flying lap, ending up fourth behind teammate Lewis Hamilton.
• Isack Hadjar secured fifth for Red Bull, while George Russell could manage only sixth.
• McLaren showed early pace but slipped to seventh and eighth, with Oscar Piastri ahead of Lando Norris.
• Pierre Gasly was ninth for Alpine and Liam Lawson completed the top 10.

What's next:

With overtaking at a premium around the Monte Carlo streets, Antonelli is perfectly placed to convert pole into a crucial victory and extend his championship lead. Verstappen will need a flawless race or a strategic gamble from the front row to overturn the deficit, while Leclerc faces a damage-limitation exercise from fourth on home soil.