Woe to anyone who talks about a world title. The Miami round was only the fourth round of the 2026 Formula One World Championship. It's early to think about the championship. Soon, yes, but if it's true that you build a title, you do it especially in times of difficulty for the team. There are two obligations of a driver behind the wheel of a competitive car: to excel when you have the potential to do so and to limit the damage when you don't have the right competitiveness.
Antonelli does more than necessary and scores many points inside the interior walls of Mercedes
The Miami GP, for Mercedes and its flag bearers, fell into the second category. Obviously the W17 is fast, the engine seems to be the current reference of the world championship, but in Florida it was not as dominant as the first three events. McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull had made a significant package of upgrades that allowed them to bridge the gap a bit. Papaya's double in Saturday's Sprint Race and his double podium finish on Sunday are proof of this. McLaren were in fine form and, just as happened on Saturday, it was not entirely certain that a Mercedes driver would be able to win on Sunday. Especially considering the level at which Russell performed all weekend.
Antonelli did it though. The world leader, on such a complex weekend, when Mercedes decided not to make any major changes while waiting for Canada, could have even pulled the oars on the boat. Above all, given and considering the pitmate's performance. But no. Antonelli believed in it, he took centre stage by approaching his third consecutive victory and increasing the gap in the drivers' standings (20 points over his teammate and 41 over Leclerc).
Andrea Kimi Antonelli did more than necessary, kept the Mercedes afloat waiting for takeoff. The Montreal stop in Canada (22 – 24 May) will be very important in this respect. The W17 will catch up with the others in terms of updates expected after the April sto, aerodynamics and chassis. Updates that will continue for McLaren as well. The planned updates should allow Mercedes to maintain its lead, but the papaya maker is starting to prove to be a truly hostile opponent and more difficult times will come. Meanwhile, Antonelli responded to the first appeal and sent another good signal, earning many points in terms of internal leadership.
Foto: Mercedes
Read also in italian language: Prove da leader, Antonelli tiene a galla la Mercedes in attesa del decollo
