Kimi Antonelli won the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, marking his third consecutive victory to start the season. Toto Wolff expressed a mix of admiration and concern regarding the team’s performance.
Wolff stated, “He did a Kimi,” referring to Antonelli’s mistake during his final Q3 lap. This comment reflects both the excitement and unpredictability surrounding the young driver.
Mercedes brought just two updated parts to the Miami Grand Prix, which fell short compared to competitors like McLaren and Ferrari who introduced more significant upgrades. Wolff admitted, “We know that we are a little out of sync with our upgrades compared to other teams.” This acknowledgment illustrates the uphill battle Mercedes faces as they attempt to regain their competitive edge.
Currently, Antonelli leads the F1 drivers’ standings in only his second campaign after winning back-to-back races in China and Japan. He became the first driver in history to convert each of his first three consecutive pole positions into race wins.
Wolff praised the junior program that has nurtured Antonelli, noting it demonstrates diligent work and strong character traits. He added, “I hope he can continue on this positive slope. Most important is not to be carried away.” This caution underscores the volatile nature of racing.
Mercedes struggled further by failing to lock out the front row or place a car in the top three during the Miami sprint race. The upcoming races will be crucial as teams focus on development.
The season is shaping up to be a pure development race, according to Wolff. He emphasized that whoever brings improvements first will gain an advantage. The pressure is mounting for Mercedes as they work to catch up with their rivals.
