Monaco once again delivered a breathtaking qualifying session, but this time the outcome was even more surprising than many had predicted before the weekend. Ferrari failed to secure a place on the front row, Kimi Antonelli put Mercedes back on top with a sensational pole position, and Max Verstappen somehow dragged the Red Bull to within just 43 thousandths of a second of pole on a circuit that was not expected to suit the RB22.
The top three finishers were the same drivers who had occupied the podium positions two weeks earlier in Canada, albeit in a different order. After the tension and intensity of what is widely regarded as Formula 1’s toughest qualifying session, the atmosphere in the post-session press conference was considerably lighter, helped by the obvious respect that both Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have for Mercedes’ young star.
“I’m still shaking from the adrenaline,” Kimi Antonelli admitted as he arrived for the traditional FIA press conference, even showing journalists his trembling hand before beginning to answer questions.
The Italian was understandably delighted after producing one of the most impressive laps of his young Formula 1 career.
“It was a good lap. A very good lap,” Antonelli said. “I managed to put everything together, and that was crucial in such a close battle. On Friday we weren’t in a good position, and the situation was more difficult than we expected. So we tried to think outside the box to improve things, and the car found its balance again.”
Antonelli also highlighted just how demanding the Monaco qualifying challenge had been.
“It was a huge challenge, incredibly intense because there is absolutely no margin for error. Finding those last two or three tenths is never easy, especially when you have Max so close behind.”
Attention now turns to Sunday’s race start, which could prove decisive around a circuit where overtaking opportunities are notoriously limited. Although Antonelli made progress with his race starts in Canada compared to previous rounds, he knows he remains vulnerable heading into one of the most important launches of the season.
Adding to the challenge is the fact that he will have two of Formula 1’s most accomplished drivers lining up directly behind him.
“I know very well who is behind me and I know how talented they are,” Antonelli said. “I’m sure they will try to put me under pressure, but I’m focused on making a good start and I’m confident because of the progress we’ve made. The run to Turn 1 in Monaco is quite short, so I just need a clean start and then we’ll see what happens.”
That comment prompted a humorous exchange that quickly lightened the mood in the press conference room.
Max Verstappen turned to Antonelli and joked: “My advice is to wait one second before the lights go out.”
Not missing the opportunity, Lewis Hamilton immediately added: “My advice is to wait two seconds.”
The remark triggered laughter throughout the room, providing a light-hearted moment after an intense afternoon of qualifying. However, behind the jokes lies a serious reality: if Antonelli wants to convert his Monaco pole position into victory, he will need to keep both Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton behind him when the lights go out.
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