Antonelli’s rapid growth and racecraft paid off in Miami, where a composed, mistake-free lap earned him a surprise Sprint pole.
Mercedes F1’s rising talent, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, continues to grow with every race—but even he didn’t expect to grab pole position for the Sprint in Miami. Now, with that surprise result under his belt, the young Italian has his eyes set on converting it into a win before shifting focus to the rest of the weekend.
“I didn’t see it coming,” Antonelli admitted. “I felt the lap was good, and I was happy with it. There were still a few areas I could have improved, but overall, I was really pleased with how I put everything together.”
Looking ahead to the Sprint, Antonelli knows the challenge is far from over. “I want to enjoy the moment, but the next step is staying focused for the race. McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull are strong over long runs, but we’re close. A clean start and good tire management will be key.”
A rare weekend off recently gave him a chance to regroup and reset—something he credits for his improved performance. “Every weekend teaches me something. The break last week really helped me absorb everything I’d learned and come back refreshed. That made a big difference.”
Antonelli has been building pace steadily, lap by lap, during qualifying sessions. “I’ve been able to take a step forward each run. I’m starting to understand how to warm up the tires more consistently and get more out of them, but I still have plenty to work on.”
As his confidence grows, so does his connection with the car. “Every race weekend I feel more in control. I’m pushing the limits more, understanding the setup better, and giving the team stronger feedback. That’s helping us develop the car together.”
One of the standout moments after securing pole was seeing his father trackside. “He’s been with me since the start of the season. He’s like a rock for me—I know I can always count on him. It’s special to share this with him.”
Reflecting on earlier challenges, like the tough weekend in Jeddah, Antonelli is grateful for the time off that followed the triple-header stretch. “That week off was so valuable. It let me mentally reset, look back on those five races, and really analyze what worked and what didn’t.”
“When races come one after another, there’s barely time to reflect or apply lessons. Having space to think helped me understand what I could’ve done better and why things went well or didn’t. That insight was important.”
He spent the break working closely with the Mercedes team at the factory. “We analyzed past races and prepared for the upcoming ones. It was a productive week—some days at home to disconnect, some at the factory to focus. Mentally, it was just what I needed.”
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Learning Curve to Pole: Antonelli’s Miami Surprise Learning Curve to Pole: Antonelli’s Miami Surprise