International Media Reacts to Miami GP: Hamilton 'Lost', Antonelli a 'Major Problem'

Kimi Antonelli extended his stunning start to the 2026 season with a commanding victory at the Miami Grand Prix, opening a 20-point lead in the championship over Mercedes teammate George Russell. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton's difficult debut season with Ferrari hit a new low with a performance described as "lost," and Red Bull showed signs of a competitive revival despite Max Verstappen's ongoing criticisms.

Why it matters:

Antonelli's third consecutive win solidifies his status as the championship favorite and creates intense internal pressure at Mercedes, potentially destabilizing George Russell's title bid. For Ferrari, the continued struggles with car performance and Hamilton's apparent difficulties adapting signal a longer-than-expected rebuilding phase, casting doubt on the team's immediate competitiveness. Red Bull's improved pace, however, suggests the battle at the front could become a three-team affair if their development continues.

The details:

• Antonelli's Dominance: The Italian rookie secured his third win from pole, convincingly holding off reigning champion Lando Norris under sustained pressure in the race's second half. British media notes he is becoming a "big thorn" in Russell's side and a major problem for his teammate's own title aspirations.
• Hamilton's Ferrari Struggles: Spanish outlet Marca delivered a harsh assessment, stating Hamilton looked "lost" and delivered one of his "most lacklustre performances of the year." The seven-time champion was anonymous throughout the weekend, made contact with Franco Colapinto on the opening lap, and never found a rhythm. The report even suggested a contract renewal "doesn't seem like the best option" based on current form.
• Ferrari's Frustration Continues: Despite bringing significant upgrades to Miami, Ferrari failed to close the gap to Mercedes. Charles Leclerc's early lead was short-lived, and a late spin plus a time penalty compounded a miserable weekend. Italian media highlighted a continued "sense of frustration" and pointed to Hamilton's specific grievance: a lack of correlation between the team's simulator and the real car.
• Red Bull's Resurgence: Dutch media reported that Red Bull is "back in the game" after a torrid start to the year. While Verstappen remains critical of the 2026 regulations, updates to the car allowed him to qualify on the front row. The team believes that if they can provide Verstappen with a car he feels comfortable in, he remains capable of winning, even if it's not the absolute fastest on the grid.

What's next:

The pressure now shifts to the chasing pack. George Russell must respond to Antonelli's momentum to keep his title hopes alive. For Ferrari, urgent work is needed to understand their upgrade shortcomings and improve car drivability for Hamilton. Red Bull's apparent step forward makes the development race between Miami and the next round critical. All eyes will be on whether Antonelli can maintain his flawless form or if the experienced champions from McLaren and a resurgent Red Bull can halt his charge.