Verstappen and Hadjar Struggle as Antonelli Secures Historic Pole at Chinese Grand Prix
Shanghai, China – Max Verstappen and Pierre Gasly’s struggles continued at the Shanghai International Circuit on Saturday, as Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes secured a historic pole position for the Chinese Grand Prix. The 19-year-old Italian became the youngest driver ever to achieve a pole position in Formula 1, a record previously held by Sebastian Vettel for 18 years. Meanwhile, the Red Bull Racing duo of Verstappen and Isack Hadjar faced a frustrating qualifying session, securing only eighth and ninth place on the starting grid, respectively.
A Disappointing Session for Red Bull
The qualifying session was a stark contrast to expectations for the reigning World Champion Verstappen and his teammate Hadjar. Both drivers openly expressed their dissatisfaction with the performance of their cars, describing them as unpredictable and difficult to handle. Verstappen, a four-time F1 champion, was particularly blunt in his assessment, stating, “I don’t even realize what to say, the car is so difficult to drive and unpredictable.” He added, “I did my lap, but it’s not what I like. There’s no balance and no grip. For me, the whole weekend has been a disaster. I changed a lot of things in the setup, but I didn’t see any difference.”
This isn’t the first time Verstappen has voiced concerns about his team’s new car, which features a hybrid powertrain. He has previously likened the car to a “Formula E car on steroids” and even compared the driving experience to the video game “Mario Kart,” highlighting his clear lack of enjoyment. The issues appear to be persistent, despite efforts to find a solution.
Hadjar Echoes Verstappen’s Frustration
Hadjar, starting ninth, mirrored his teammate’s sentiments, though he acknowledged a slight improvement from Friday’s practice sessions. “I don’t know why we gained a second compared to the others, we are in the same times as yesterday,” Hadjar told Canal+. “I don’t know if those in front made mistakes or if the conditions were harder, but it’s the same feeling with the car. We are slower everywhere.”
Despite starting ninth, Hadjar remained pragmatic, stating he wasn’t entirely surprised by the outcome. “We are where we necessitate to be,” he said, acknowledging the current performance gap. He’s starting from the 9th position after starting 3rd last week at the Australian Grand Prix.
Mercedes and Ferrari Lead the Way
Whereas Red Bull grapples with its challenges, Mercedes and Ferrari appear to be setting the pace. Antonelli’s pole position is a testament to Mercedes’ strong performance, and the Italian driver’s achievement has injected fresh excitement into the team. The front of the grid is currently dominated by Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren, leaving Red Bull to fight for positions further down the order.
Verstappen’s Endurance Racing Ambitions
Amidst the struggles in Formula 1, Verstappen is preparing for a different kind of racing challenge: the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The four-time F1 champion will make his debut in the endurance race later this year, driving for his own Verstappen Racing outfit in a Mercedes-AMG GT3. He will be joined by a strong lineup including Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer.
Interestingly, Kimi Antonelli has expressed a desire to partner with Verstappen in an endurance race, believing they would make a “really cool pair.” Antonelli’s connection to GT racing runs deep, as his father, Marco Antonelli, owns and runs the AKM Motorsport team. “That will be super cool. I would love to do an endurance with Max. That would be pretty awesome,” Antonelli said. He has even requested a test session at the Nordschleife, eager to experience the challenging circuit firsthand.
A Shared Passion for GT Racing
Both Verstappen and Antonelli share a passion for GT racing, which adds another layer to their potential partnership. Verstappen’s foray into endurance racing is driven by a desire to add a “fun element” to his career and a dissatisfaction with the current Formula 1 regulations. Antonelli, through his family’s involvement in GT racing, has been exposed to the category from a young age and regularly tests when his F1 schedule allows.
The prospect of seeing these two talented drivers compete together in an endurance race is generating considerable excitement within the motorsport community. It represents a unique opportunity for both drivers to showcase their skills in a different environment and explore a shared passion outside of Formula 1.
What’s Next?
The Chinese Grand Prix is set to take place on Sunday morning, local time (8:00 AM UTC). All eyes will be on Antonelli as he attempts to convert his historic pole position into a race win. Verstappen and Hadjar will be looking to salvage what they can from the weekend, aiming to climb through the field and minimize the damage to their championship hopes. The race promises to be an intriguing battle, with Mercedes and Ferrari looking strong and Red Bull facing an uphill struggle.
Fans can follow live updates and results from the Chinese Grand Prix on the official Formula 1 website and through various motorsport news outlets. The race is sure to provide plenty of drama and excitement as the 2026 Formula 1 season continues to unfold.
