Kimi Antonelli after securing pole for the US Grand Prix: “I know how strong Verstappen is here”

The foundations have been laid for a strong result at the US Grand Prix: Kimi Antonelli has secured his seventh Formula 1 pole position (his first since Belgium in mid-July) and his first at the Circuit of the Americas; the championship leader has left the Red Bull Racing duo of Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar behind.

How important is pole position as a springboard to victory in Texas? Six of the thirteen COTA Grands Prix to date have been won from pole position. That is surprisingly few by Formula 1 standards.

The 20-year-old Italian is delighted and says: “First and foremost, I’m simply relieved to have secured pole position again after quite a long time. We managed to improve as qualifying progressed. That’s not something to be taken for granted, given the problems we’ve had. I felt that I could be in with a chance of pole here if everything went right, and luckily it all came together.”

“Because the conditions were very tricky; the wind was gusty, which made driving unpredictable. The wind also got stronger and stronger as the session went on.”

“I’m happy because I feel we’re finally starting to realise the full potential of our improvements. I wouldn’t say we understand everything yet, but we’re on the right track and have made great progress since Singapore. Now we need to stay on the ball and deepen our understanding.”

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“The car felt best in medium-speed and fast corners. We’re still having problems in slow corners. So we’re quick in sectors 1 and 2, especially through turns 8 and 9. That’s where I feel the biggest improvement from the new parts. We still need to improve the car’s handling in slow corners.”

“I have to admit – taking pole was a bit of a surprise. What’s even more surprising to me is that I managed to stay within the track limits! That made my life a bit easier and didn’t get the team into any trouble.”

“Of course I’ll be trying to turn my pole into a win on Sunday. But I know how fast Max Verstappen is on this circuit. So I realise – I’ve got my work cut out for me.”

“My aim is simple: I need a good start, and then I have to defend my lead going into the first corner. When you’re out in front, you can set the pace, which makes everything easier.”

“But I’m certainly expecting to have to fight tooth and nail to stay ahead.”

“I’m not overthinking it all; first and foremost, I’m delighted with pole position, and Sunday is a different story. I’m trying not to think about the World Championship title. I just want to drive a good Grand Prix and, ideally, win. The rest will take care of itself.”