Kimi Antonelli says he feels “in control” as title fight reignites

Kimi Antonelli, the 19‑year‑old who earned his first F1 wins in Japan and China, says he feels stronger and more in control as the season heads into its next chapter. The confidence comes after a learning‑laden rookie year and could make the Miami Grand Prix a turning point in the championship battle.

Why it matters:

• Antonelli’s surge adds a fresh challenger to the title hunt, pressuring the usual front‑runners.
• A confident young driver can shake up race strategy, especially for teams still fine‑tuning their 2024 packages.
• His progress underscores the value of a rapid learning curve in modern F1, where track‑knowledge often decides margins.

The details:

• Recent wins: Antonelli clinched his maiden victory in China and followed it with a second win in Japan, propelling him to the top of the drivers’ standings.
• Second season: At 19, he’s in only his sophomore year, aiming to improve on a rookie campaign that saw points slip away on several European rounds.
• Quote: “I feel stronger, more relaxed and in control of the situation. Knowing the tracks from last year helps me manage the weekends better,” he told RacingNews365.
• Experience factor: Having completed every circuit last year, he believes the familiarity will aid him on tracks that previously gave him trouble.
• Goal for Miami: “The aim is to pick up where we left off in Japan, or even come back stronger,” Antonelli added.

What's next:

• Miami Grand Prix: The season resumes after a five‑week break on a street circuit that rewards confidence and precise car control.
• Championship implications: A strong showing could tighten the points table and force frontrunners to reassess their strategies.
• Watch points: Antonelli’s qualifying pace, his ability to manage tire wear on the high‑speed banking, and how his team adapts the car to the unique Miami layout.
• Season outlook: If his “in‑control” mindset translates to results, Antonelli could become a regular fixture in the title conversation for years to come.