Antonelli is eager to "work on his race management" after tough race in Miami

Coming off the back of a sensational performance in sprint qualifying at the Miami Grand Prix, Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli was left to rue his race management during the 57-lap Floridian race.

On the back of sensational performances both in the sprint and the main qualifying, Mercedes struggled for race pace in the 57-lap Miami race.

Although Andrea Kimi Antonelli was running in second early on, he was powerless to hold the faster McLarens at bay. The Italian then lost time during a slow pit stop before he lost further race time compared to his team-mate George Russell, who could shorten the duration of his own pit stop thanks to a virtual safety car interruption. Antonelli ended up sixth behind the Williams of Alexander Albon.

Russell looked to struggle for grip during the opening stint on the hards, but he benefitted from a cheap stop during the VSC. The Briton rejoined the track just ahead of Verstappen, and managed to stay in front of the Dutchman to pick up yet another podium.

Having delivered his maiden F1 pole position in the sprint qualifying on Friday and having displayed great speed in the main qualifying, Antonelli struggled for race pace in the 57-lap Miami race.

"Unfortunately, we didn’t just have the pace today to fight for much more than what we achieved. I made a good start and was running P2, but the McLarens had too much pace for us, and we dropped behind them.

"I still felt good on the Medium compound in the opening stint but I struggled a little more on the Hard tyre in the second half of the race. Our pace wasn’t great and that contributed to our P6 finish. We will have to analyse why that was as a team and see where we can improve.

As for the need for further improvements, the Italian noted: "Overall, though, I am pleased with how the weekend went. Our qualifying pace was strong, and it was nice to take my first Sprint pole position. I’m still gaining experience in terms of my race management, and I am sure that will continue to get better as the season progresses.

"I am now excited for the next race at Imola and my first ever home Grand Prix. I am sure the atmosphere and support will be incredible, so I am very much looking forward to the weekend there."