MIAMI.- The Italian Kimi Antonellithe youngest driver to lead the championship Formula 1chases a third straight victory this weekend in Miamiwhere the season is reactivated after a month without races due to the war in Middle East.
The fifth edition of Miami Grand Prix It will be marked by the application of changes to the controversial technical regulations for hybrid engines, established this year to encourage overtaking and spectacle in general.
After only three tests, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) was forced to adjust the new regulations due to the division it has generated in the paddock.
The four-time champion Max Verstappenof Red Bullhas repeatedly expressed his frustration with the new cars, with a half electric and half thermal engine, whose driving he compared to those of the famous video game Mario Kart.
The regulatory modifications, agreed between the FIA and team leaders, will be applied from the first test on Thursday at the Miami circuit, located near the Hard Rock Stadium.
The adjustments should reduce the pilots’ management of electrical energy and improve their safety.
But they should not profoundly alter the balance of forces at this beginning of the year, with mercedes as absolute dominator with the triumph of George Russell at the opening of the course in Australia and those of Antonelli in March in China and Japan.
The Italian, just 19 years old, leads the standings with a nine-point lead over his teammate Russell.
McLaren under review
The cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabiadue to the outbreak of war in the Middle East, gave an unforeseen five-week break to the teams that allowed them to focus on introducing improvements to the cars.
McLarencurrent two-time champion of the constructors’ title, will be under the microscope this weekend in the first of the three races of the year in USA.
In recent editions, the British team tested new features in Miami that gave them very good results.
The British Lando Norrisworld champion last year, claimed victory for the first time in a Grand Prix in 2024 under the Florida sun.
The intractable Mercedes has also worked on improvements to stay at the top, although its management expects a step ahead of its rivals this weekend.
“This break has allowed us to analyze our first tests to work on our weak points and continue improving,” he explained. Toto Wolffhead of the German team.
“We also know that our rivals will have taken advantage of this break to deepen their understanding of their car and improve it, so we hope that the teams will be closer to each other,” stressed the Austrian leader.
“Checo” and Colapinto, like at home
American fans, including the many celebrities who regularly attend the event, will enjoy an intense program that includes the second sprint race of the season.
For this reason, the pilots will only have one free rehearsal session, instead of three, although its duration was extended from 60 to 90 minutes to allow greater adaptation to the regulatory adjustments.
This weekend will also be the first appearance on American soil for cadillaca new local team debuting this year.
The Mexican Sergio “Checo” Pérez He will lead the team on a circuit where he usually receives warm support from the broad Latin American fans.
The race will also be full of emotions for the Argentine Franco Colapintothe young and popular pilot of Alpinewhich will premiere behind the wheel in Miami.
Last Sunday, Colapinto brought together more than 500,000 people in Buenos Aires for a street motorsport show and earlier this week he fulfilled his dream of meeting the Argentine idol Lionel Messiwhom he visited at the training center of InterMiami.
The possible presence of Messi, who has witnessed different sporting events in the United States, is another of the attractions of Sunday’s Grand Prix.
