Kimi Antonelli pinpoints Mercedes decision key to historic Miami win

Kimi Antonelli has pinpointed Mercedes' decision to pit him early and undercut Lando Norris as key to his historic victory in the Miami Grand Prix. 

From pole position, Antonelli initially dropped behind Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen but recovered to second as Verstappen spun off.

After a yo-yo battle with Leclerc and Lando Norris, the McLaren seized control of the race after the early safety car, but Antonelli struck back with an undercut on Norris.

This allowed him to gain the net lead of the race and the actual lead once he passed the off-sequence Max Verstappen, with Antonelli then seeing off the threat to claim his third grand prix win.

Coupled with George Russell finishing fourth, Antonelli pulled a further 13 points on his team-mate, meaning Antonelli has a 20-point lead in the standings as he became the first F1 driver in history to take his first three wins from his first three pole positions.

Kimi Antonelli pinpoints 'massive' Mercedes decision key to historic Miami win

"The start was not as bad as yesterday; it was a little better, but I didn't expect Charles to break that early, so I tried to avoid him, and obviously, I locked up, and then I was a bit lucky with what happened in Turn 2," Antonelli said.

"Then I made a mistake with the energy management, trying to overtake Charles, and I lost the place to Lando, but the pace was strong, and I stayed close.

"The team did a great strategy, and we did a massive undercut, and we managed to bring it home, even though it was not easy. 

"This is just the beginning, the road is still long, but we're working super hard, and the team is doing an incredible job, and without them, I wouldn't be here, so thanks to them and my family.

"I am going to enjoy this one, and then get back to work, because Canada is in three weeks' time."