Five quick takeaways from eventful Miami Grand Prix

TL;DR

Kimi Antonelli secured his third consecutive Grand Prix win at the Miami Grand Prix, overcoming significant challenges from top competitors. This victory marked a crucial test for the 19-year-old as he faced pressure from recent champion Charles Leclerc.

Key points

Kimi Antonelli won his third consecutive Grand Prix.
He started from pole position but lost the lead at Turn 1.
Antonelli faced pressure from Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris.
He reported gearbox and throttle concerns during the race.
This win was his most complex compared to previous races.

Kimi AntonelliCharles LeclercOscar PiastriMax Verstappen

Motorsport photo

Antonelli passes his biggest test yet

Kimi Antonelli’s third straight grand prix win may not have been his most dominant, but it surely was his most impressive. The 19-year-old started from pole, lost out in the chaos of Turn 1, battled Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, then had to recover the initiative through pace, racecraft and Mercedes’ undercut.

Miami was also the first time Antonelli had to win with sustained pressure from a recent world champion behind him. Unlike China, where he had the pace to control the race, or Japan, where he broke clear after the safety car, this was a much more complex victory. Norris kept him honest throughout the final stint, closing to within Boost range and applying pressure as Antonelli reported gearbox and throttle concerns.

Yet the Mercedes driver never unravelled. His out-lap after stopping on lap 27 proved decisive, allowing him to jump Norris once McLaren responded a lap later. From there, he managed the gap, survived late track-limits scrutiny and kept Norris at arm’s length even as light rain threatened to complicate the closing laps.

For Mercedes, this was further proof that its early-season advantage is no illusion. For Antonelli, it was something more significant: a win achieved not simply through clean air and raw speed, but under pressure, in changing conditions, against a McLaren that was genuinely quick. That is exactly the kind of victory that turns early promise into championship credibility.

– Jules de Graaf

McLaren is back – properly back

They’ve done it again. Three years ago in Miami, McLaren brought its first major upgrade to what had looked like a completely hopeless car – and since then, every time something arrives from Woking, it delivers.

Andrea Stella always plays down expectations – yet this time even he said McLaren would arrive in Miami with an almost entirely new car. He noted others would probably do the same. And while a couple of teams did bring substantial upgrades, it was McLaren again that made the biggest step.

Lando Norris, McLaren

Q&A

What challenges did Kimi Antonelli face during the Miami Grand Prix?

Kimi Antonelli faced challenges from competitors like Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, as well as gearbox and throttle concerns during the race.

How did Antonelli perform compared to his previous wins?

While Antonelli's win in Miami was not his most dominant, it was considered his most impressive due to the sustained pressure he faced from other top drivers.

What was significant about Antonelli's victory in Miami?

Antonelli's victory in Miami was significant as it was the first time he had to win under sustained pressure from a recent world champion, showcasing his racecraft and resilience.

Who were the main competitors Antonelli battled against in the race?

Antonelli battled against notable competitors including Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri, Max Verstappen, and Lando Norris during the Miami Grand Prix.