Fraser MasefieldKimi Antonelli grabbed a vital pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix from Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
In a frantic finish, it looked as if Verstappen would start in the most advantageous position at a circuit where passing opportunities are few and far between.
But a stunning final lap from Antonelli meant that the championship leader pipped Verstappen by just 0.043 seconds.
Hamilton will start from third on the grid, the three-time Monaco GP winner bettering his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, Isack Hadjar and George Russell.
Oscar Piastri lines up seventh on the grid ahead of McLaren teammate Lando Norris. Pierre Gasly and Liam Lawson round out the top ten.
Feel the rush of Monaco pole position! 👏
“WHAT A LAP” 🙌#F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/5PBpv5UXGO
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 6, 2026
“For sure just enjoying the driving, enjoying the car, enjoying the weekend,” said Antonelli after stepping from the car. “It was one of those laps where I could put it all together.
“Such a close qualifying. I knew the last lap was good hoping it was going to be enough. Thanks to the team because yesterday we struggled a little bit but today we were able to improve.
“It’s one of the most, if not the most intense qualifying of the year and it takes a massive effort. I have to be honest I felt great and happy we could finish the job today.”
Joining Antonelli on the front row of the grid is Verstappen. And the Dutchman confessed himself happy with Saturday’s effort.
Monaco pole position calls for a round of applause from Kimi! 👏✨#F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/nVyMY1bvPj
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 6, 2026
“If you had told me yesterday I would be on the front row, I would have definitely taken it,” commented Verstappen afterwards.
“Also this morning we had quite a few difficulties with the car, so heading into qualifying and to be up there I think was extremely positive.
“So overall very happy with how qualifying went, how the laps went, dealing with the traffic.
“I’m happy to be on the front row and tomorrow let’s see at the start. These cars are quite complicated at the start. I have two cars behind me that start quite well, so we’ll see. This was a good day.”
What a Quali! 😎🙌
Here’s how the grid is set to line up for the Monaco Grand Prix ⬇️#F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/Eyf9J8Wnj0
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 6, 2026
For Hamilton, a three-time Monaco GP winner, third on the grid represents a welcome return to form.
“Tough for us. We were looking so strong in practice and we barely changed anything. But the car was so different when we got to qualifying for some reason, so we have to take a deep dive into that.
“I gave it everything. I was as close to the barriers as I could be.
“What a privilege it is to be here, to be one of the 22 drivers in Formula One, getting to do this skill, and I love every second of it.”
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Craig Scarborough