Toto Wolff captured the moment perfectly when he said, “He did a Kimi.” This was in reference to Kimi Antonelli’s thrilling yet imperfect performance at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, where he celebrated his third consecutive victory in his rookie season.
Antonelli’s win solidified his place at the top of the F1 drivers’ standings, a remarkable feat for someone so new to the sport. Yet, it wasn’t without its challenges; during Q3, he made a mistake that Wolff humorously attributed to the iconic driver, Kimi Räikkönen. This moment of levity masked a deeper concern—Mercedes is struggling to keep pace with its rivals.
The setting in Miami was electric. Fans filled the grandstands, cheering as Antonelli took pole position yet again. But behind the scenes, Wolff admitted that Mercedes brought just two updated parts to this race—far fewer than competitors like Red Bull and Ferrari. “We know that we are a little out of sync with our upgrades compared to other teams,” he stated, reflecting on their uphill battle.
With only four races completed this season, every update counts. The competition is fierce—McLaren and Ferrari are not waiting around. They’ve rolled out substantial upgrades while Mercedes lags behind. In fact, during the Miami sprint race, neither Mercedes car managed to secure a spot in the top three.
But there’s hope. Wolff praised Antonelli’s development through Mercedes’ junior program, noting his speed and character traits that promise a bright future. “I hope he can continue on this positive slope. Most important is not to be carried away,” Wolff cautioned, emphasizing the need for steady progress.
As the season unfolds, it’s clear that this will be a development race—one where timing and precision will dictate success. “This season is going to be a pure development race and whoever brings a few tenths before their competitors will gain an advantage,” Wolff warned. The pressure is mounting.
For now, all eyes are on Antonelli as he continues to defy expectations. The next challenge awaits as teams prepare for upcoming races, knowing that every point matters in this tightly contested championship.
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