Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has set a unique Formula 1 record by securing his first three consecutive pole positions and victories. The young Italian achieved this feat with his win at the Miami Grand Prix. He now leads the 2026 championship standings after just four races.
Kimi Antonelli became the first Formula 1 driver to claim both his first three pole positions and three grand prix victories in succession. This record-breaking streak came after his pole and win at the Chinese Grand Prix, followed by repeats in Japan and Miami. Previously, drivers like Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher had managed three straight poles for their first three, while Damon Hill and Mika Hakkinen achieved three straight wins, all later becoming world champions. No one had combined both until Antonelli, who sits atop the 2026 standings as a title contender. Antonelli reacted modestly after the Miami Grand Prix, saying, “It's a cool stat. I didn't know, but don't really want to think too much about it. I'm just going to enjoy the moment. But yeah, it's cool, I guess.” Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praised the 19-year-old's promotion as a success in his second season. Speaking to Sky Sports UK, Wolff noted, “I hope he can continue on this positive slope. Most important is not to be carried away.” He added optimism about the future: “He has […] the speed. And now we add to that some more experience. I think we're talking about lots of success in the future.” Antonelli's rapid rise validates Mercedes' early faith in the Italian talent.
