Antonelli Makes History in Miami

Kimi Antonelli etched his name into Formula 1 history at the Miami Grand Prix, becoming the first driver in the sport’s 77-year history to win his first three races from three consecutive pole positions. The 19-year-old Mercedes driver battled Lando Norris to the line in a race that saw the championship lead widen to 20 points over teammate George Russell.

Antonelli’s victory—his third in a row—was a masterclass in consistency, but the race will be remembered as much for the drama that unfolded before the chequered flag. In a moment that sent shivers through the paddock, Pierre Gasly’s Alpine was flipped upside down in a collision with Liam Lawson on Lap 6, ending both drivers’ races and leaving Gasly unhurt but shaken.

It sucks for both of us.

Pierre Gasly and Liam Lawson, post-race

A Race of Two Halves

The Miami Grand Prix was a study in contrasts. After a chaotic start—where Charles Leclerc led briefly before spinning off on the final lap—Antonelli and Norris locked in a duel that defined the race. Norris, who started on pole, lost ground early but clawed his way back to finish second, just 3.264 seconds behind Antonelli. Oscar Piastri completed the McLaren podium in third, while George Russell rounded out the top four for Mercedes.

Max Verstappen, who started fifth, finished fifth after a race-long battle with Russell. Charles Leclerc, who led the first few laps, crashed out of contention on the final lap, finishing sixth after a spin that cost him a podium. His teammate Lewis Hamilton, now 27, secured seventh place, adding to the emotional weight of a weekend where history and heartbreak collided.

Gasly’s Crash: The Moment That Stole the Show

At 18:37 local time (22:37 UTC), the Miami Grand Prix took a dramatic turn. Gasly, chasing Lawson down the outside into Turn 17, made contact that sent his Alpine into a mid-air flip. The car landed upside down before crashing into the barriers. Gasly, visibly shaken but uninjured, walked away from the wreckage, while Lawson’s Racing Bulls car was too heavily damaged.

Both drivers later revealed that Lawson’s gearbox had malfunctioned, contributing to the collision. Gasly, who had qualified sixth, was forced to retire, while Lawson’s race also ended. The incident was a stark reminder of the dangers in Formula 1, even at a street circuit like Miami.

Standings After Miami: Antonelli’s Lead Grows

With his victory, Antonelli now leads the championship by 20 points over Russell, his Mercedes teammate. Norris, who finished second, is third, 30 points behind. The top five in the standings are:

Antonelli’s dominance has raised eyebrows, but Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff cautioned against overestimating his lead. We know the road is still long, Wolff said, acknowledging that rivals will bring upgrades and fight harder in the coming rounds.

What’s Next for F1?

The next chapter of the 2026 season unfolds in Monaco, where the streets of Monte Carlo will test drivers’ adaptability once again. With Gasly sidelined, Alpine will seem to Franco Colapinto to deliver results, while Mercedes will aim to maintain their momentum.

For Antonelli, the pressure is mounting—but so is the opportunity. If he can replicate his Miami form in Monaco, he could extend his record-breaking start to the season.

Key Takeaways

• Antonelli’s Historic Streak: First driver in F1 history to win the first three races from three consecutive pole positions.
• Gasly’s Crash: Upside-down flip in Lap 6 after collision with Lawson; both retired.
• Norris’ Resilience: Started on pole but finished second after a fierce battle with Antonelli.
• Championship Lead: Antonelli extends lead to 20 points over Russell.
• Monaco Awaits: Next race set for May 17–19 at the Circuit de Monaco.