Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said the performance that gave Kimi Antonelli his first three wins in consecutive races was “amazing” and said the world championship leader’s Miami Grand Prix victory on Sunday was his best drive to date.
Antonelli recovered from losing the lead from pole position to win over McLaren’s Lando Norris, becoming the third driver in the history of the sport and the first to achieve three wins in consecutive races.
With the result, the 19-year-old Italian extended his lead at the top of the drivers’ standings, putting him 20 points clear of teammate George Russell, who was widely expected to be the Silver Arrows’ top title contender under the new 2026 F1 regulations.
“The last few races have been amazing,” Wolff said after Sunday’s race. “In some ways, last season was exactly what we expected as a team, with ups and downs, moments of brilliance, moments that made you want to tear your hair out.
“And it’s going well this year. I don’t think any of us expected a run like this.”
“It gave him a very good car and the right engine. But for him to be able to monetize it every weekend was special.”
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Toto Wolff says George Russell will never stop fighting and the 20-point gap to teammate Kimi Antonelli won’t faze him.
Antonelli went through some ups and downs during his rookie season last year, but appears to have taken a big step forward and is now listed as favorite to win the Drivers’ Championship by British bookmakers.
In his sixth race of the season, which included two sprints, he dropped down the order at the start, but once again drove maturely in Miami, getting past Norris with just one pit stop and holding off the reigning world champion.
“For me, this was his best race ever,” Wolff added. “It reminds me of his karting days and F4. There were no mistakes.”
Antonelli: I never expected to lead the championship
Antonelli quickly moved into F1 as Mercedes searched for a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, who announced he would join Ferrari the following year in 2024.
This decision was questioned at times during 2025, especially as Antonelli struggled in the middle of the season, but he now appears to be living up to his obligations as a generational talent.
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Kimi Antonelli reflects on a chaotic Miami Grand Prix, with the Italian losing the lead on the opening laps but then regaining it and winning his third race of the season.
Antonelli admitted after the race that he “didn’t expect” to lead the championship at this stage, but said he was growing more confident with each positive result.
“I wasn’t expecting it,” Antonelli said. “And yeah, I mean we’re living in a very good moment, but like I said before, the season is still very long and there’s a lot of things that can change.”
Russell claims his struggles in Miami were due to his dislike of the circuit, and that assessment will be put to the test three weeks later in Canada. The season will continue on the circuit where the Brit has excelled in the past.
Antonelli added, “George will certainly be very strong in Canada. He’s always been very strong in Canada, so he’ll definitely be at the top.”
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Oscar Piastri, Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris have hilarious reactions as they watch the Miami Grand Prix highlight reel.
“But I feel much more comfortable in the car, I feel much more in control, and I will continue to do my best.”
“I’m going to try to perform as best as I can every time I go out on track, but let’s see how Canada goes. Hopefully we can repeat it like we did this weekend, and let’s see how the upgrades work.”
“I’m really proud of the work my team is doing and I’m really enjoying this journey.”
F1 then heads to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix and another sprint weekend. Watch Sky Sports F1 live from 22nd to 24th May. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
