Kimi Antonelli details 'stressful' Mercedes gearbox scare in Miami GP victory

Kimi Antonelli secured a record-setting third consecutive Formula 2 victory at the Miami Grand Prix, but not before a late gearbox issue created a tense finale while under pressure from Lando Norris. The Mercedes junior driver managed the problem for a few critical laps to take the win and extend his championship lead.

Why it matters:

For a young driver in a tight championship fight, any mechanical issue under race pressure is a severe test of composure. Antonelli's ability to navigate the problem without losing position to a reigning champion like Norris demonstrates a maturity beyond his 19 years, reinforcing his status as a top prospect for a future Mercedes F1 seat. Furthermore, extending his title lead over George Russell to 20 points provides crucial momentum early in the season.

The details:

• Antonelli lost the lead at the start from pole position but recovered to control much of the race, with Norris remaining within striking distance throughout.
• In the closing laps, he reported a gearbox problem, specifically experiencing issues with downshifts and an inability to upshift from seventh to eighth gear.
• The issue lasted only "two, three laps," but Antonelli described the moment as "a little bit stressful," especially while being closely chased.
• He clarified the problem did not significantly affect the car's overall performance, and normal operation resumed after the brief scare.
• His flawless driving under this added pressure prevented Norris from capitalizing on any mistake, securing the victory.

What's next:

With this win, Antonelli becomes the first driver to achieve three consecutive F2 wins from pole position, setting a new series record. The victory solidifies his position at the top of the standings and builds invaluable experience in managing high-pressure race situations—a key asset for his anticipated promotion to Formula 1. The focus for Mercedes will be to investigate the gearbox gremlin to ensure reliability for the upcoming rounds, as Antonelli looks to convert his strong pace and newfound resilience into a sustained championship campaign.