Kim Antonelli Makes History: Third Straight Miami GP Win Overshadowed by Gasly’s Shocking Flip
MIAMI GARDENS, Florida — Kimi Antonelli etched his name into Formula 1 history on Sunday, becoming the first driver to win his first three races from pole position. The 19-year-old Mercedes sensation secured his third straight victory at the Miami Grand Prix, extending his championship lead by 20 points and solidifying his status as the season’s dominant force. Yet the race was marred by a shocking crash in the early stages, when Pierre Gasly’s Alpine flipped dramatically after contact with Liam Lawson.
Antonelli’s Historic Third Win
Antonelli, who started from pole for the third consecutive race, held off fierce pressure from McLaren’s Lando Norris to claim his third victory of the season. The Italian’s commanding performance in front of a sellout crowd at the Miami International Autodrome saw him cross the line 3.264 seconds ahead of Norris, with Oscar Piastri rounding out the podium for McLaren.
“This is a historic moment for me and for Formula 1,” Antonelli said after the race. “To win your first three races from pole is something no one has ever done before. But the road to the title is still long, and we’re just getting started.”
Antonelli’s victory moved him to 100 points in the championship, extending his lead over teammate George Russell to 20 points. The win also marked his third pole position of the season, further cementing his status as the class of 2026.
A Race Overshadowed by Gasly’s Flip
The Miami Grand Prix will be remembered not only for Antonelli’s triumph but also for one of the most dramatic crashes in recent memory. On lap 5, Pierre Gasly’s Alpine flipped upside down after contact with Liam Lawson at Turn 17. The collision sent Gasly’s car airborne, landing it partially on the tire barrier. Both drivers walked away unharmed, but the incident forced Gasly to retire from the race.
“It sucks for both of us,” Gasly said afterward. “I was trying to find a way past Liam, and things just went wrong. It’s not a great feeling to be upside down like that.”
Pierre Gasly, Alpine
Lawson, who was later cleared of any penalty by the stewards, explained that a gearbox failure in his Racing Bulls car contributed to the collision. “I was struggling with the car, and I lost control,” Lawson admitted. “I’m glad Pierre is okay, but it’s a scary moment when you see a car flip like that.”
Standings Update: Mercedes Extends Lead
Antonelli’s victory pushed Mercedes to the top of both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. The team’s dominance in the early part of the season has seen them secure three of the first four race wins, with Antonelli leading the way.
| Pos | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 100 |
| 2 | George Russell | Mercedes | 80 |
| 3 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 63 |
| 4 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 51 |
| 5 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing | 49 |
What’s Next for F1?
The next round of the championship will be the São Paulo Grand Prix, scheduled for May 17–19, 2026. Mercedes will look to maintain their momentum, whereas McLaren and Red Bull Racing will aim to close the gap as the season progresses.
For now, Antonelli’s historic achievement has set the tone for the remainder of the season. With his third consecutive win from pole, he has redefined what it means to be a rookie in modern Formula 1—and the best may still be yet to come.
Key Takeaways
- Antonelli’s historic third win: First driver to win first three races from pole.
- Gasly’s dramatic flip: Alpine driver flipped after contact with Lawson on lap 5.
- Mercedes extends lead: Antonelli now leads the championship by 20 points.
- Next race: São Paulo Grand Prix, May 17–19, 2026.
