Antonelli wins in Miami to extend title lead

Antonelli wins in Miami to extend title leadImage source, ReutersImage caption, Kimi Antonelli has won his first three grands pix in consecutive races, all from pole positionByAndrew BensonF1 Correspondent in MiamiPublished3 May 2026, 19:50 BST44 CommentsUpdated 1 minute agoMercedes' Kimi Antonelli held off McLaren's Lando Norris in a race-long battle to win the Miami Grand Prix and take a commanding championship lead.The 19-year-old Italian's third win in a row moves him 20 points - not far from a clear win - ahead of team-mate George Russell, who could finish only fourth.Antonelli prevailed in a gripping race, initially staging a three-car fight also including Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, before the race distilled down to a tussle between the Mercedes and Norris.The long-threatened rain, which had caused the race start to be brought forward by three hours, never materialised, apart from a few spots mid-race, and the grand prix ran its distance in dry conditions.The key stories in Miami were:Another win for Antonelli, who has won three of the first four races to put pre-season favourite Russell in the shadeA revival for McLaren after upgrades this weekend and a strong drive from NorrisA full-on race for Max Verstappen, including a rare mistake, a fightback and some on-the-edge racingMany examples of the "yo-yo racing" that has characterised this new season and has split opinionAntonelli overcomes another poor startAntonelli took this win despite another poor start - he has now lost places off the line in all four grands prix and both sprint events this season.The Mercedes was swamped by Leclerc's fast-starting Ferrari from fourth on one side and Verstappen on the other on the run to the first corner.Verstappen went to the inside, but ran deep and as he fought to retain the lead, Leclerc squeezed him at Turn Two, and the four-time champion lost control on the kerb, spinning a full 360 degrees with the entire field behind him.He quick...