Kimi Antonelli Wins Miami GP, Earns Karun Chandhok's Praise for Handling Norris Pressure

Kimi Antonelli secured his third grand prix win of the 2026 season at the Miami Grand Prix, holding off reigning world champion Lando Norris after a tense 28-lap battle. The Mercedes driver's composure under pressure earned high praise from former F1 driver and Sky Sports analyst Karun Chandhok.

Why it matters:

Antonelli's ability to withstand sustained pressure from a world champion demonstrates maturity beyond his years. The win extended his championship lead over teammate George Russell to 20 points, cementing his status as a legitimate title contender in only his second season.

What they're saying:

Chandhok recounted a candid encounter with Antonelli at the airport shortly after the race. “He got on the plane and he looked at me and he had that smell of champagne and sweat… that smell of success,” Chandhok recalled on the Sky Sports F1 Show. The Italian was carrying his own rucksack and chatting warmly with fans, showing no signs of entitlement.

• Chandhok highlighted the decisive phase: Norris stayed within overtake mode for nearly 30 laps, but Antonelli made no mistakes. “All it would have taken is a lock-up, a little moment going wide, just a slight mismanagement of the energy and Lando was ready to pounce. And I thought Kimi did a fantastic job there, soaking up that pressure and taking the win.”

The details:

• Antonelli started from pole but lost the lead to Ferrari's Charles Leclerc at the start.
• A successful undercut during the pit window allowed him to regain track position ahead of Norris.
• McLaren's late stop left Norris vulnerable, but Antonelli's flawless execution sealed the result.
• The win marks his third of 2026 and gives him a 20-point advantage over teammate George Russell in the drivers' championship.

What's next:

Antonelli will look to extend his championship lead at the upcoming rounds. With the pressure of a title battle mounting, his performance in Miami suggests he has the mental resilience to handle the heat. Chandhok summed it up: "He was brilliant."