Antonelli Claims Third Straight Victory as Verstappen Spins, Leclerc Leads Early Miami GP

*TL;DR: Kimi Antonelli secured his third straight win at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix after Max Verstappen spun on the first lap, dropping to tenth, while Charles Leclerc led briefly.

The 2026 Miami Grand Prix delivered a dramatic opening. Pole‑sitter Antonelli faced immediate pressure as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen lost traction and spun at Turn 1. The incident sent Verstappen to the back of the pack, landing him in tenth place by the end of the first lap.

Charles Leclerc of Ferrari capitalised on the chaos, moving into the lead as the field re‑sorted. Leclerc held the front position for several laps before pit‑stop strategies shuffled the order again. Despite the early lead change, Antonelli maintained a strong pace, navigating traffic and preserving tyre life.

On lap 13, Lando Norris overtook Leclerc, but Antonelli’s consistent lap times kept him within striking distance. By the final stint, Antonelli had built a comfortable gap and crossed the finish line first, marking his third consecutive victory in the championship.

Verstappen’s spin proved costly. Starting from pole, the Dutch driver’s error not only cost him points but also reshaped the podium battle. Finishing tenth, he earned significantly fewer championship points than a typical podium finish would provide.

Leclerc’s brief lead highlighted Ferrari’s competitive pace, yet the team could not convert the early advantage into a win. The race underscored the importance of start‑line stability and strategic pit timing in a circuit known for its high‑speed straights and tight corners.

Antonelli’s win extends his unbeaten streak to three races, positioning him as a rising contender in the drivers’ standings. The result also tightens the championship gap between the rookie and established front‑runners.

What it means: Antonelli’s consistency and ability to avoid early incidents give him momentum heading into the next round. Verstappen must recover lost points quickly to stay in contention, while Ferrari will look to translate early‑race speed into podium finishes.

Looking ahead: The next Grand Prix in Austin will test whether Antonelli can sustain his form, and whether Verstappen can rebound from the Miami setback.