Mercedes starlet Antonelli new favourite for F1 title after third successive victory

Antonelli converted pole to take the flag at the Miami International Autodrome, maintaining Brackley outfit Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team’s 100 per cent win rate in Grands Prix so far this season.

As has become customary this term, Antonelli struggled from the start as he was attacked in turn one by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and McLaren’s Lando Norris.

There was also some fierce wheel-to-wheel racing with Leclerc and Norris later in the race, while Antonelli had to manage gearbox concerns. But he still crossed the line first.

In doing so, the Italian teenager became the first driver in F1 history to win his first three races from his first three pole positions.

Antonelli also outclassed Mercedes teammate and championship rival George Russell, who came home in fourth and a whopping 43.051s behind.

In truth, Miami has never been Russell’s finest track, but it was still a real statement victory for Antonelli, who improved on Sunday after a disappointing P6 in the Miami Sprint on Saturday.

“The start was not as bad as yesterday – it was a little bit better,” Antonelli said in the media pen.

“I didn’t expect Charles to brake that early (in turn one), so to avoid him I locked up.

“I did a little mistake with the energy management, trying to overtake Charles, then I lost a place to Lando. But then the pace was strong and I was able to stay close.

“Then the team did a great strategy; we did a massive undercut, and we managed to bring it home, even though it was not easy.”

Antonelli, now on 100 points, is the new odds-on favourite for the title. Russell, on 80 points, is his closest challenger.

“This is just the beginning; the road is still long,” Antonelli added.

“But we’re working super hard, the team is doing an incredible job, and without them I wouldn’t be here. So it’s mainly thanks to them and my family.

“I’m going to enjoy this one and then get back to work, because Canada is in two weeks’ time.”