Three things we learned from the Miami Grand Prix

MIAMI - Kimi Antonelli proved that age is no barrier and that he is on track to becoming a Formula One great with his stunning third straight career win.

At just 19, he became the first Italian to win three races in succession since Alberto Ascari in 1952 and will head to Montreal with a 20-point lead as the youngest leader of the drivers’ championship in F1 history.

The real deal: Antonelli’s rise

Few paddock regulars were ready for this and many were dismissive of claims, emanating from Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, that Antonelli was a generational talent.

But his hard-earned win, under pressure from McLaren world champion Lando Norris, ended those doubts. By becoming the first driver to turn his first three consecutive poles into victories, after another almost-trademark poor start, Antonelli has stirred the passions of his peers and the expectations of Italy’s motor racing fans.

His teammate George Russell, nine years his senior and in his eighth F1 season, was a hot pre-season title favourite and won the opening race but has since been unable to establish his authority.

For Wolff, torn between joyous celebration and cold management-speak, it is a welcome dilemma as Mercedes sit atop the constructors’ title race and plan a major upgrade package in Canada. "It’s astounding, these few races," said Wolff.

"In a way, it is what we predicted as a team – to have ups and downs last season, with moments of brilliance, but moments too when you want to tear your hair out. But this year, it’s coming together and I don't think anyone expected this. He has monetised on it every single weekend and it’s special."

Mercedes maintain lead

Antonelli’s win kept Mercedes on top and confirmed that, despite major upgrades at McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull, they remain the pace-setters. The race supplied plenty of incident and much of the new 'yo-yo' overtaking as batteries were recharging or boosting speed.

"It’s still pretty crazy, to be honest," said McLaren driver Oscar Piastri who finished third. "The closing speeds are huge and trying to anticipate that as a defending driver is incredibly tough."

Wolff hit back at critics claiming the spectacle was artificial, stating that anyone complaining about the race quality should "hide" as it served as a great advert for the sport.

FIA open to more change

While Mercedes purred, others were encouraged to hear that the current hybrid era may be short-lived. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem forecast a return for V8 engines and mentioned a paddock return for former Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

He also noted that the FIA were looking into the future of multi-team ownership in F1. The governing body remains open to evolving the sport's technical landscape to maintain competitive balance. - AFP