Kimi Antonelli made history in Miami on Sunday after becoming the youngest ever driver to convert three pole positions into three wins, joining the likes of Damon Hill and Mika Hakkinen at just 19-years-old.
Antonelli and Mercedes were ecstatic after their third victory of the season, kicking off from where they left in China. Antonelli did well to swoop by a clearly frustrated Lando Norris, who came in second place but felt he deserved the win.
“Guys, how did we not win that race,” Norris asked his team in the radio after the race.
Antonelli and team were screaming above normal decibels, highlighting how important the win is for the youngster’s growing confidence in the sport. Even with his gearbox issues, the young Italian managed to fend off the World Champion’s attack.
To finish the top three, was absolutely polished driver by Oscar Piastri – who even caused Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to lose his nerve and spin out on the final lap – losing two places in the process.
Piastri was gaining on Leclerc in the final lap and eventually cut around him before leaving nothing but burnt rubber in the Ferrari’s face. Chasing his position, Leclerc lost his car and ended up damaging the front left tyre and lost his good position entirely. It was sad to watch, especially considering Leclerc had the best start of the race – jumping from 3rd to 1st almost instantly.
But the star of the show was the Italian teenager, who is now a definite threat to his “more experienced” teammates title hopes.
“I can’t believe this, thank you guys!” Antonelli yelled out in his radio after the race.
Antonelli’s father couldn’t hold back the emotions, running through the team garage to hug everyone after the race.
Should the Italian teenager continue this phenomenal form, team boss Toto Wolff will have option but to make his “first choice” as he looks more hungry than George Russell – who had to settle for P4.
But at least Russell is still in the points. At least. Antonelli now holds a firm 8 point lead in the championship over Russell while Leclerc trails in third.
Jehran Naidoo is sports reporter for Independent Media and social media coordinator of the our YouTube channel The Clutch.
