So impressive that it almost feels unreal. So extraordinary that it brings to mind Alessandro Zanardi, the universally admired champion who made the impossible possible, as if he somehow gave him a push toward the finish line with the ease and confidence of a seasoned champion—not that of a near-rookie.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has suddenly made Italy realize it has a new star to dream about. Another talent, much like Jannik Sinner, raised in a supportive family environment that allowed his abilities to develop without disruption, avoiding the excesses that have ruined similar prospects in the past. It is something rarely seen, and precisely for that reason, the surprise is immense. And with that, expectations are beginning to grow just as quickly. But that is a discussion for another time.
The reality is that Antonelli triumphed in Miami with the effortless composure of a true phenomenon, built on three key elements. First: there was the usual chaos in the opening corners, and he managed to stay clear of it. Second: he had to battle with top-level drivers like Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, and he did so without the slightest sign of pressure, executing precise and clinical overtakes. Third: he never even needed to extract 100% of the Mercedes W17’s potential, winning without revealing just how much performance he still had in reserve. That is how truly gifted drivers race.
Hearing the Italian national anthem played twice—thanks also to the brilliant Gabriele Minì, who dominated in Formula 2—inside the spectacle that is Miami was deeply emotional, a moment that will not easily be forgotten. Unfortunately, on such a memorable day, Ferrari was missing the final touch that would have completed the picture.
Leclerc’s heroic race
“We can win,” said Frederic Vasseur on Saturday. And for a few laps, especially during Charles Leclerc’s early stint in the lead, it almost felt believable. But that optimism gradually faded as the superior pace of Mercedes and McLaren—and even Red Bull—became clear, forcing Ferrari to rely on moments of brilliance from Leclerc instead.
One such moment came shortly after the start, when Charles Leclerc kept his foot down and forced Max Verstappen—who himself drove an outstanding race—into a spin. It was a sign of the determination that defined his performance.
Charles Leclerc’s race was nothing short of heroic, and with just one lap to go, he was still running in third place. Then came the mistake that changed everything, dropping him down the order. However, focusing solely on that error would miss the bigger picture: when Ferrari finally gives the Monegasque a truly competitive car, those mistakes will disappear, and genuine title ambitions will emerge—because the driver is unquestionably capable. Otherwise, the team risks continuing indefinitely between unfulfilled promises and a lack of horsepower, as if the problem lay with rivals simply being stronger.
Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, unfortunately continued to show the same unconvincing pace seen last year. His race was compromised early by contact that damaged his car, while excessive power unit temperatures later forced him to back off.
There is still plenty of work to be done at Maranello, even if the SF-26 is far from a lost cause overall. In the meantime, McLaren has clearly taken a step forward. Lando Norris, who finished second, could perhaps be criticized for never fully attacking Antonelli, although his pace was strong enough to put 24 seconds between himself and teammate Oscar Piastri, who struggled throughout the race. A similar story unfolded at Mercedes, where George Russell was comprehensively beaten by Antonelli, finishing 43 seconds behind—a gap that will undoubtedly weigh heavily on the British driver’s confidence.
Once again, the race delivered plenty of action, with both genuine overtakes and more artificial moves. At the very least, however, some issues appear to be improving, sparing fans the anxiety caused by large speed differences between attacking cars and those slowing down to recharge their batteries.
And now, as spring progresses, the championship pauses for two Sundays. Then, after Canada, the Formula 1 season will truly come alive.
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