Kimi Antonelli etched his name into Formula 1 history at the Miami Grand Prix, securing his third consecutive victory from pole position in a race that saw McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri deliver a masterclass. But the weekend belonged to Antonelli, who extended his championship lead with a performance that left rivals and fans alike in awe. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc’s late-lap spin robbed Ferrari of a podium finish, adding to a weekend of highs and lows for the Scuderia.

Antonelli’s Dominance and McLaren’s Resurgence

The Miami International Autodrome saw its first rain-affected race since 2022, with thunderstorms forcing a three-hour earlier start time for Sunday’s Grand Prix. But the conditions did little to dampen the drama. Antonelli, driving for Mercedes, stormed to pole position in qualifying, becoming the first driver in F1 history to start from the front row of their first three races in a season. His third consecutive win—all from pole—solidified his status as the driver to beat in 2026.

The race itself was a tactical chess match. Antonelli led from the start, but McLaren’s Norris and Piastri—who had started fourth and third, respectively—chipped away at the lead. Norris, the reigning world champion, fought tooth and nail to finish second, securing McLaren’s first 1-2 in the main event since 2025. Piastri rounded out the podium in third, marking McLaren’s first podium sweep in Miami since the format’s inception.

Behind them, Mercedes’ George Russell finished fourth, whereas Red Bull’s Max Verstappen—who had started third—struggled with a slow start and finished fifth. The result handed Antonelli a commanding 20-point lead in the drivers’ championship, a margin that now puts him within striking distance of a clear title advantage.

Turning Points: Rain, Chaos, and a Spin That Changed Everything

The race began with Leclerc seizing the lead after a chaotic opening lap, where Verstappen spun off and Antonelli lost ground. But the Mercedes driver quickly regrouped, reclaiming the lead by Lap 10. Leclerc, however, never fully recovered from his early missteps. By the final lap, he was battling for position when a high-speed spin at Turn 14 robbed him of a podium finish. In a post-race press conference, Leclerc took full responsibility:

The spin on the final lap was all on me. I pushed too hard in the final sector and lost the car. It’s a disappointment, but we’ll learn from it. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

The weather played a pivotal role. Heavy rainstorms forced the FIA to adjust the start time to 13:00 local time (17:00 UTC), a decision that added an extra layer of tension. The track, which had been dry during practice and qualifying, became slick by race day, favoring drivers who could adapt quickly. Antonelli’s ability to manage tire wear and maintain pace in changing conditions was the difference-maker.

Why Antonelli and McLaren Shined

Antonelli’s victory wasn’t just about speed—it was about strategy. Mercedes’ decision to run a two-stopper for Antonelli paid off, allowing him to preserve his tires while Norris and Piastri pushed harder in the early stages. McLaren’s resilience was on full display, with Norris and Piastri both delivering flawless drives despite starting behind the front row.

Ferrari, meanwhile, struggled with consistency. Leclerc’s early lead evaporated due to a slow start and a lack of pace in the midfield. His final-lap spin was the exclamation point on a weekend where the team failed to capitalize on their sprint qualifying performance. Ferrari’s technical director, Enrico Cardile, later admitted that the team had underestimated the challenges of the Miami track’s evolving conditions.

Championship Picture: Antonelli’s 20-Point Lead

With his third consecutive win, Antonelli now leads the drivers’ championship by 20 points over George Russell. The gap is substantial but not insurmountable—especially with seven races remaining. However, Antonelli’s dominance in Miami suggests he is in a different league, at least for now.

In the constructors’ championship, Mercedes leads Red Bull by 30 points, while McLaren has surged to third, 50 points behind Mercedes. The result in Miami further cements McLaren’s resurgence, with Norris and Piastri delivering their best weekend of the season.

Looking Ahead: Monaco and Beyond

Formula 1’s calendar now turns to the Monaco Grand Prix, where the low-downforce track will test a modern set of skills. Antonelli will look to build on his momentum, while Leclerc and Ferrari will aim to bounce back from a disappointing weekend. McLaren, meanwhile, will be focused on maintaining their upward trajectory.

The next race, the Monaco Grand Prix, is scheduled for May 23–25. With the season’s first half now complete, the focus shifts to the challenges of the European leg, where tire management and strategy will once again be key.

Key Takeaways from Miami 2026

• Antonelli’s Historic Triple Crown: First driver to win their first three races from pole in F1 history.
• McLaren’s Resurgence: Norris and Piastri delivered a 1-2 finish, marking their best weekend of the season.
• Leclerc’s Late-Lap Spin: A costly mistake that cost Ferrari a podium and added to their struggles in Miami.
• Weather’s Impact: Rainstorms forced a three-hour earlier start, adding unpredictability to the race.
• Championship Lead: Antonelli now leads Russell by 20 points, with a clear path to extending his advantage.

FAQ: What Happened in Miami?

Q: Did Kimi Antonelli win all three races in Miami?

A: No. Antonelli won the main Grand Prix and took pole for both the sprint race and the main event. Lando Norris won the sprint race on Saturday.

Q: Why did Charles Leclerc spin out?

A: Leclerc admitted the spin was his fault, saying he pushed too hard in the final sector of the track.

Q: How did the weather affect the race?

A: Thunderstorms forced the FIA to move the start time three hours earlier to avoid delays. The track was dry at the start but became slick, favoring drivers with quick adaptations.

The Miami Grand Prix delivered drama, heartbreak, and historic moments. With Antonelli’s dominance and McLaren’s resurgence, the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in years. What do you think—is Antonelli’s lead enough, or will the rest of the field rally?

Next up: Monaco Grand Prix, May 23–25, 2026. Follow along as the teams prepare for one of F1’s most iconic challenges.

Check the official Monaco GP page for updates.