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Kimi Antonelli claims victory at the Miami Grand Prix but shines a light on his ongoing struggle with race starts. This 19-year-old Mercedes driver secures his third consecutive win, extending his championship lead, yet his post-race comments reveal a persistent flaw that could impact his title chase.
Antonelli starts from pole but loses the lead to Charles Leclerc due to a sluggish launch, a familiar issue he's keenly aware of. “Today, to be fair, was not as bad. I think I lost two places. In the Sprint, I lost six. A little bit better,” he quips, but emphasizes, “it’s not acceptable.” He admits that inconsistency with his clutch drop creates uncertainty, an area needing improvement.
Despite the rocky start, Antonelli showcases his resilience, battling Lando Norris and managing both pressure and tyre wear effectively. His calm mindset contrasts sharply with the frustration he felt during Saturday’s Sprint. Late-race gearbox troubles threaten his rhythm, but he holds on to secure the win.
While three wins in a row signal momentum, Antonelli's candid self-analysis highlights a crucial psychological hurdle in a tight championship race. As competitors close in, his ability to address these issues will be pivotal moving forward.
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