Next week, Formula 1 returns to action on a circuit that is highly appreciated by the Mercedes driver from Italy.
The fastest single-seaters on the planet will be back on track at the Miami circuit. The first free practice sessions will take place on Friday, May 1, and will last 90 minutes instead of the usual 60.
Championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli arrives at the American circuit carrying significant pressure on his shoulders. In fact, the last Italian driver to lead the Formula 1 world championship was Giancarlo Fisichella in 2005, after his victory in Australia.
However, the Miami round has already delivered plenty of positive emotions for Antonelli last year, even though Mercedes was not the leading force at the time. This year, therefore, he has the chance to shine even more and attempt to extend his advantage in the standings.
Miami GP 2025 – A sensational debut
Last year, the Italian rookie secured sprint qualifying pole position, beating his teammate by more than three-tenths of a second.
The Mercedes driver, interviewed at the end of qualifying by Sky Sport, said:
“I didn’t expect it. I felt good with the car from the beginning of the session, and on the final attempt I put everything together. I’m really happy.”
The excellent result came as a surprise and was the first confirmation of the incredible talent of the Bologna-born driver. He showed that he is fast and ruthless over a single lap and that he has what it takes to compete in Formula 1.
Errors were not missing during the season, especially in the middle part of the championship.
Despite that, the Miami pole will remain in the record books as a performance far beyond that of a rookie. Moreover, the Mercedes driver set the fastest time despite never having had the opportunity to gain experience on the circuit, as it was not part of the 2024 F2 calendar.
Miami GP 2026 – Real chances of victory for Antonelli
As already mentioned, Kimi likes the layout of the track a lot. Not only that, but the circuit configuration could also strongly favour Mercedes itself.
The two long straights separating the second and third sectors are perfect for unleashing the full power of the German power unit.
The W17 has shown strong efficiency in energy recovery, and Miami does not differ significantly from the Shanghai circuit, where Mercedes was dominant.
Kimi also has a strong chance of achieving a good result because George Russell is going through a slightly difficult psychological period. His pace is still undoubtedly there, and in Suzuka he was unlucky, but Antonelli’s standout performance clearly left an impression on him.
Two key unknowns remain for the Mercedes duo: the development potential of Ferrari (and other competitors) and the weather.
On one hand, Ferrari will bring updates to Miami, including a revised “Ala Macarena” wing which, if effective, could significantly help the SF-26 on the straights.
Finally, the weather forecast. Friday and Saturday show no signs of rain, but Sunday looks far from sunny. In case of rain, everything could change.
Therefore, it is true that Antonelli will have real chances of victory, but several uncertainties could put both the Italian driver and Mercedes itself under pressure.
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