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Kimi Antonelli Wins Miami Grand Prix, Extends F1 Championship Lead to 20 Points
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli secured his third consecutive victory at the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, holding off McLaren's Lando Norris in a close battle. The 19-year-old Italian extended his lead in the drivers' championship to 20 points over teammate George Russell. The race featured intense competition, pit strategy decisions, and penalties for several drivers.
May 3, 6:05 PM·3m read6 sources
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Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli won the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, 2026, marking his third consecutive victory in the Formula One season. The 19-year-old Italian held off McLaren's Lando Norris in a race-long duel, finishing ahead by a narrow margin.
Antonelli's win extended his lead in the drivers' championship to 20 points over teammate George Russell. The race, held at the Miami International Autodrome, saw Antonelli start from pole position but lose places off the line due to a poor getaway.
He battled back against Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Red Bull's Max Verstappen early on, before the contest narrowed to a fight with Norris.
A safety car was deployed on lap six following separate crashes involving Red Bull's Isack Hadjar and Alpine's Pierre Gasly, who was tipped into a somersault by Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson. After the restart, Norris briefly took the lead, but Antonelli regained position through pit strategy.
Mercedes called Antonelli in for tires on lap 24, undercutting Norris, who pitted three laps later. Norris emerged behind Antonelli and pressured him for the remaining laps, staying within a second at times, but Antonelli managed gearshift issues and overheating rear tires to hold on.
Max Verstappen spun on the first lap after contact at Turn Two, dropping to 10th, but recovered to fifth. He received a five-second penalty for crossing the white line during a pit exit, which did not change his position. Separately, Verstappen and Russell were cleared by stewards after minor contact.
“This is just the beginning. The road is still long. We are working super hard and the team is doing an incredible job.”
