Antonelli ‘stupendous’ and Leclerc’s ‘lairy final lap’ – driver ratings

Antonelli stupendous and Leclerc s lairy – The Formula 1 season resumed with a thrilling comeback following a five-week hiatus, as the Miami Grand Prix delivered a dramatic conclusion to the weekend’s action. Kimi Antonelli, the reigning champion, widened his lead in the drivers’ championship by securing a dominant victory, leaving Charles Leclerc of Ferrari in pursuit with a 41-point gap. The race saw a mix of standout performances, strategic missteps, and penalties that shifted the dynamics of the standings. Here’s a breakdown of how each driver fared across the weekend.

Kimi Antonelli – 9/10

Antonelli’s mastery of the Miami track proved unstoppable, as he claimed his third consecutive win and third pole position, cementing his position at the top of the table. His consistency has forced rivals into a defensive stance, with his Mercedes teammate George Russell struggling to match his pace. The young Italian’s form has been described as ‘stupendous’ by former champion Damon Hill, who highlighted his ability to outperform his teammate during the 5 Live commentary.

“A stupendous weekend for the young Italian, who really put Mercedes team-mate George Russell in the shade,” Hill remarked. “Three pole positions and three wins on the trot is worrying for his competitors.”

Charles Leclerc – 6/10

Leclerc’s performance in Miami was marked by a mix of determination and frustration. Despite his strong early runs, a critical error in the final lap cost him dearly, sending him into the wall and ending his race. This mistake, combined with a post-race 20-second penalty for unsafe driving, dropped him from sixth to eighth in the standings. The Ferrari driver’s potential was evident, but his inability to maintain composure under pressure left his championship hopes hanging by a thread.

Lando Norris – 9/10

Norris and Oscar Piastri claimed the podium for McLaren, showcasing the team’s progress after a challenging season. Norris capitalized on the team’s latest upgrades, delivering a commanding sprint victory on Saturday. However, his Sunday race was less impressive, as the lack of rain on the track meant he couldn’t fully test his dominance. The Brit’s adaptability and precision in qualifying were key, but his performance in the main race left room for improvement.

Oscar Piastri – 7/10

Piastri’s contribution to the podium was solid, yet he remained overshadowed by Norris throughout the weekend. His battle with Russell in the race demonstrated his resilience, but his overall pace was lacking. The Australian’s consistency was commendable, though his inability to close the gap on his teammate highlighted the need for more aggressive strategies in future races.

George Russell – 6/10

Russell’s weekend was defined by his team-mate Antonelli’s brilliance. The Mercedes driver struggled to find his rhythm, failing to match the pace set by the young Italian. His lack of grip and inconsistency in the race were clear, with the Brit admitting his performance was secondary to Antonelli’s dominance. The points he earned were hard-earned, but they couldn’t mask the gap that has opened between him and his rival.

Max Verstappen – 6/10

Red Bull’s progress was notable, but Verstappen’s race was marred by a costly mistake on the first lap. The Dutch driver spun into the wall, resulting in a five-second penalty that dented his chances. While his sprint start on Sunday was strong, the team’s overall performance was inconsistent, leaving questions about their reliability and adaptability to changing conditions.

Lewis Hamilton – 5/10

Hamilton’s weekend was a struggle, as he trailed Leclerc and couldn’t capitalize on his opportunity. A slow pit stop and contact with Franco Colapinto further compounded his difficulties. The seven-time champion’s anonymity in Miami underscored the challenges he faces in maintaining his form. Despite his efforts, the points he secured were far from a dominant showing, and his rhythm remained elusive.

Franco Colapinto – 8/10

Colapinto’s performance in Miami marked a personal milestone, as he outqualified his Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly in every session. The Argentine driver’s confidence and speed were evident, even as he engaged in close wheel-to-wheel battles with Hamilton. His crucial points earned during the race were a testament to his growth, though the proximity to Hamilton raised questions about his handling of tight corners.

Carlos Sainz – 7/10

Sainz’s weekend was a mix of determination and disappointment. While his Williams team appeared stagnant in the midfield, the Spanish driver made the most of his opportunities, salvaging a point with a strong finish. His ability to adapt to the track’s challenges was notable, but the lack of support from his team left him in a tough position. Sainz’s performance highlighted the importance of reliability in a competitive field.

Alex Albon – 7/10

Albon’s return to form was evident as he outperformed his Williams teammate Sainz in qualifying, only to be penalized for track limits violations. The Thai driver’s confidence grew during the race, though his sprint performance was quieter than expected. His ability to secure a point was a positive sign, suggesting that his progress is on the right track despite the setbacks.

Esteban Ocon – 5/10

Ocon’s race was a tale of two halves, as he started strongly but faltered in the later stages. His early lead over Oliver Bearman was short-lived, and the Frenchman’s inability to maintain his position reflected his team’s struggles. Haas’s lack of progress in the midfield meant Ocon couldn’t capitalize on his starting advantage, leaving him with a modest contribution to the weekend.

Oliver Bearman – 6/10

Bearman’s performance in Miami was a redemption arc after early setbacks. The British Racing Bulls rookie fought back from a slow start to reclaim his position in the race, though his team’s overall upgrade package was questioned. His battle with Colapinto and the midweek head-to-head with Ocon showcased his potential, even as Haas struggled to keep pace with the midfield contenders.

Gabriel Bortoleto – 5/10

Bortoleto’s weekend was a test of endurance, as he managed to finish after overcoming reliability issues. The Audi driver’s focus and consistency were praised, but his overall performance was overshadowed by the team’s struggles. His contribution to the points tally was valuable, though it didn’t reflect the progress expected from the squad in recent races.

With Antonelli’s three wins and three poles, the championship landscape has shifted significantly, putting pressure on his rivals to improve. Leclerc’s late-race penalty and mistake further emphasized the importance of maintaining composure in high-stakes moments. As the season moves forward, the drivers’ ability to adapt to new challenges will determine their success in the battle for the title.