Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff could not contain his enthusiasm after Kimi Antonelli secured his third straight Formula 1 victory at the Miami Grand Prix, describing the young Italian's performances as "astounding" and calling the weekend win his finest drive to date. Antonelli’s achievement placed him among a very exclusive club: he became only the third driver in the sport’s long history to claim his first three wins in consecutive races, a feat he managed by recovering from a lost pole‑position lead to out‑maneuver McLaren’s Lando Norris in the final laps. The triumph widened the 19‑year‑old’s cushion at the summit of the drivers’ championship, now standing 20 points clear of teammate George Russell. Russell had been widely tipped to become Mercedes’ primary title contender under the new 2026 regulations, yet Antonelli’s meteoric rise is reshaping expectations.
"It’s astounding these few races," Wolff said in the post‑race interview. "We knew we would have ups and downs last season, moments of brilliance and moments that make you want to pull your hair out.
This year everything is clicking. No one imagined a run like this. The car is superb, the power unit is spot‑on, but the way he extracts the maximum every weekend is something special." Antonelli’s rookie campaign last year was a roller‑coaster of highs and lows, but the Italian appears to have taken a decisive step forward.
UK bookmakers now list him as the favourite for the Drivers’ Championship, a remarkable shift given his relative inexperience. The Miami race was the sixth in as many events this season where Antonelli lost places off the start line, yet he displayed maturity by undercutting Norris during the sole pit‑stop window and then defending his lead against the reigning world champion. "For me, it was his best race so far," Wolff added.
"It reminded me of his karting days and his Formula 4 performances – flawless, no mistakes." Mercedes fast‑tracked Antonelli into the senior team as they searched for a successor to Lewis Hamilton, who announced in 2024 that he would join Ferrari the following year. The decision attracted scrutiny throughout 2025, especially when Antonelli hit a rough patch mid‑season. However, his recent form suggests he is living up to the label of a generational talent.
After the race, Antonelli admitted he had not expected to be leading the championship at this stage, but he noted that each positive result is boosting his confidence. "I did not expect it," he said.
"We’re living a great moment, but the season is still long and many things can change." Russell, on the other hand, blamed his own struggles in Miami on a personal dislike for the circuit. He will have the chance to test that theory at the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix, a track where he has historically performed strongly. Antonelli echoed this sentiment, predicting a fierce battle in Montreal. "George will be super strong in Canada – he’s always been very strong there – but I feel more comfortable in the car now, more in control.
We’ll keep pushing and see how the upgrades work. I’m proud of the team’s work and enjoying the journey," he said. Wolff also cautioned Antonelli against being swept up by the fervor of the Italian public, likening the attention to that received by tennis superstar Jannik Sinner. Both athletes have been making headlines on the same days: Sinner clinched titles in Indian Wells, Miami and Madrid, while Antonelli secured his three Grand Prix victories.
Wolff, who has overseen seven drivers’ championships, emphasized the importance of keeping the young driver grounded. "The easy part is making sure he stays humble within the team; his parents have done a great job keeping him grounded," Wolff explained. "The bigger challenge is the Italian media. Since football isn’t qualifying, everything revolves around Sinner and Antonelli.
There are countless requests for his time, and it’s up to us to apply the handbrake. We need to stay calm – such success at his age puts all of Italy’s attention on him." Looking ahead, the Formula 1 calendar moves to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix, which will also feature a Sprint race.
Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports F1 from May 22‑24, with streaming options available via NOW without a long‑term contract. The upcoming weekend will be a crucial test for both Antonelli and Russell as they seek to consolidate their positions in the championship battle, while Mercedes hopes to continue capitalising on the momentum generated by their rising star.