F1 news: Kimi Antonelli sets new Formula One record after Miami Grand Prix win
Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli claimed victory at the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, finishing 3.264 seconds clear of Lando Norris, while Norris’ McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri secured the final podium position.
The Italian, who started from pole, recorded his third win of the season.
His only non-win this year came in the season opener in Australia, where he finished second behind his team-mate George Russell.
Sunday’s pole position was also his third of the campaign, writes Sports News Blitz’s Katie Butler.
Early drama in Miami
The race was not perfect for Antonelli, however, after a lock-up into Turn 1 forced him wide and allowed Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to take the lead.
However, into Turn 2, Antonelli caught a break when Max Verstappen spun 360 degrees after losing the rear of his Red Bull.
A small setback, quick recovery
Antonelli also admitted to “a little mistake with the energy management” while attempting to overtake Leclerc, which briefly cost him a position to Lando Norris.
Despite not having the cleanest race, the 19-year-old recovered well, executing a successful undercut on Norris before producing a composed and controlled drive to secure the win.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praised the performance, telling Sky Sports: “For me, it was his best race so far. It reminds me of his karting days and Formula 4.”
Record-breaking run continues
By converting his third consecutive pole position into victory, Antonelli becomes the first driver in Formula 1 history to win his first three races from pole.
He also becomes just the third driver in Formula 1 history to win his first three Grands Prix consecutively, joining Damon Hill, who achieved the feat in 1993, and Mika Häkkinen, who did so across 1997 and 1998.
In addition, Antonelli is only the third driver to secure his first three pole positions in succession, alongside Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.
These milestones add to an already remarkable list of achievements, having previously become the youngest pole-sitter and the youngest driver to lead the championship.
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Leading the way
Antonelli is now the first driver in the 2026 season to reach 100 points, sitting 20 points clear of his team-mate in the Drivers’ Championship standings.
He is also just five points away from holding the equivalent of a full race win advantage.
Despite his impressive lead, Antonelli remains grounded, saying: “This is just the beginning, the road is still long.”
If his current form continues, he could go on to challenge for further records, including becoming the youngest Formula 1 world champion.
That record is currently held by Sebastian Vettel, who won the title at 23 years and 133 days in 2010.
Former world champion Damon Hill, speaking to the BBC, said: “It was a worry when he had good early results because I thought it might be a rush of blood to the head.
“But looking at his performance in Miami, you have to say he has every right to believe that.”
