Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli, the youngest championship leader in F1 history, aims to win three consecutive races this weekend as Formula One returns after a month’s absence due to conflict. At 19, Antonelli leads Mercedes teammate George Russell by nine points ahead of what is effectively the start of another season at Miami Grand Prix.
Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff stated that they used the break to analyze the opening races and improve their performance. The revised rules aim to make cars more natural with reduced battery charging in qualifying and increased super-clipping power, but Wolff said this won’t significantly impact Mercedes’ advantage.
For Ferrari, bringing a “completely new car” is expected to be strong contenders as they arrive alongside McLaren. Max Verstappen, ninth on 12 points, aims to stop Antonelli’s winning run after finishing 2022 and 2023 with victories.
The race will mark the debut of newcomers Cadillac at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.