Home » Zak Brown praises Antonelli and views Mercedes as a threat in Miami.

Zak Brown praises Antonelli and views Mercedes as a threat in Miami.

by Lena Garcia
Zak Brown praises Antonelli and views Mercedes as a threat in Miami.

F1 Miami Grand Prix 2025: An Exciting Weekend with Rising Star Andrea Kimi Antonelli

The 2025 Miami Grand Prix is shaping up to be an exhilarating event in the world of Formula 1. As the McLaren team continues to assert its dominance this season, they now face a new contender for the top positions: Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The young Mercedes driver captured everyone’s attention by securing the pole position during the Sprint Qualifying on Friday, May 3rd. His remarkable performance has drawn significant interest from the entire paddock, including Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren.

In an interview with F1TV, Brown praised Antonelli’s performance and acknowledged that the Italian’s rise in the racing world is no surprise. He stated, "I think we have another superstar on our hands that we’ll have to contend with, which isn’t a shock to anyone." This comment underscores the immense potential Antonelli possesses, as he not only achieved the first pole of his career but also made history by becoming the youngest driver to lead an official F1 grid.

Brown further commended the overall performance of Mercedes during the Miami weekend, saying, "It’s great to see, Mercedes has been very quick all weekend." Despite McLaren’s strong start to the season, Brown remained cautious when discussing the team’s advantage over its competitors. "I wouldn’t say we have a huge margin over Mercedes, but our race pace seems good. With these Sprint weekends, you have very little track time. They conducted a long-run simulation, probably trying to understand the car’s height and other adjustments," he explained.

Historically, McLaren has performed well on hot weather circuits, and they are optimistic about leveraging Miami’s high temperatures to maintain their competitive edge. "We enjoy the warm weather, so we should do well in the Sprint. I’m looking forward to the next qualifying session and, of course, to Sunday," Zak added.

When addressing the pressure that comes with starting from pole position, particularly for the first time, Brown believes this might actually work in Antonelli’s favor. "I think there’s always a bit of nerves when starting races, but being on pole for the first time probably gives you an extra dose of adrenaline. That can be beneficial. You tend to focus more and want to avoid any mistakes. It’s going to be an exciting first lap," he said.

The performance of the 18-year-old Italian has become one of the most talked-about topics in the paddock as the weekend unfolds. Not only did Antonelli lead Mercedes to the front, but he also made history by becoming the youngest driver in F1 history to top a grid, surpassing previous records, including those set by Max Verstappen.

Meanwhile, McLaren remains confident in their driver lineup of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. However, they are acutely aware that the competition at the top is intensifying. Alongside Mercedes with Antonelli and George Russell, both Ferrari and Red Bull are also in the mix, with Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and Verstappen adding to the competitive atmosphere. This heightened tension sets the stage for thrilling sessions ahead in Miami.

As the Miami Grand Prix weekend progresses, the schedule includes the Sprint event on Saturday, May 4th, at 1 PM, followed by the traditional qualifying session at 5 PM. The main race is set to take place on Sunday at 5 PM, with live coverage available on Band. Bandsports will broadcast all sessions except for the main race, while F1 TV Pro will provide full coverage of the weekend’s activities.

In the world of Formula 1, excitement is always in the air, and Miami is no exception. Fans are eagerly anticipating the performances of both seasoned veterans and emerging talents like Antonelli. With each passing event, the competitive landscape continues to shift, keeping teams and fans alike on their toes.

As the weekend unfolds, all eyes will be on the Miami circuit, where the combination of high stakes, young talent, and legendary teams create an electrifying atmosphere. The excitement is palpable as fans and teams alike prepare for what promises to be a memorable race weekend. The upcoming sessions will not only showcase the skill and determination of the drivers but also the strategic prowess of the teams as they navigate the challenges of the Miami Grand Prix.

With the spotlight now firmly on Andrea Kimi Antonelli, his journey through this race weekend will be closely watched. The potential for history-making moments is significant, and the implications for the championship standings could be profound. As McLaren aims to leverage their strengths while keeping a watchful eye on their competitors, the dynamics of this race could redefine the trajectory of the season.

In conclusion, the Miami Grand Prix 2025 is more than just another race; it’s a critical juncture in the season that could reveal the true contenders for the championship. With McLaren’s established prowess, Mercedes’ rising star, and fierce competition from Ferrari and Red Bull, the outcome remains uncertain. Fans can expect a thrilling display of speed, strategy, and skill as the drivers prepare to battle it out on the track. Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend in Formula 1 history.

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