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Hamilton puts Ferrari on pole in Mexico City, Antonelli to start fourth

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In short

The historic qualifying session ended a 1,197-day drought for the seven-time world champion since his last pole position in Hungary in July 2023. George Russell and Charles Leclerc slotted in directly behind the leader in second and third positions, while Max Verstappen took a grid penalty that elevated Antonelli to fourth. To prevent the Italian newcomer from taking the crown this weekend, both chasing Mercedes and Ferrari rivals must secure a race victory.

Key points

  • Antonelli needs only a ninth-place finish in Mexico to become the youngest champion in Fo…: Antonelli needs only a ninth-place finish in Mexico to become the youngest champion in Formula One history.
  • The championship race requires either Hamilton or Russell to win Sunday's grand prix to k…: The championship race requires either Hamilton or Russell to win Sunday's grand prix to keep their title hopes alive.
  • Cadillac teammates Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will line up together on the final ro…: Cadillac teammates Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will line up together on the final row of the grid.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

MEXICO CITY, Oct 31 : Lewis Hamilton put Ferrari on pole position for the Mexico City Grand Prix on Saturday with Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli set to line up fourth on the grid for a ground-breaking race likely to make him Formula One's youngest champion at 20 years old.

Antonelli needs only a ninth-place finish at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Sunday to become Italy's first champion since 1953. He was fifth fastest in qualifying but will move up a place due to Red Bull's Max Verstappen, in fourth, taking a grid drop.

The pole was a record-extending 105th of Hamilton's career and the Briton's first for Ferrari.

"Thank you so much, it has been such a long time coming," Hamilton said over the team radio. "Mega job, guys - I am so grateful for the hard work you guys put in."

OLDEST POLE SITTER SINCE 1982

The last time he took pole in a regular grand prix, not including sprint races, was in Hungary in July 2023 - a wait of 1,197 days.

It also made the seven-times world champion,…

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