Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s rookie Formula 1 season has so far reassured Mercedes in terms of raw speed and potential, but team boss Toto Wolff and his driver do expect a noticeable step forward as far as race pace is concerned.
Antonelli had a breakthrough weekend in Miami as he outqualified highly rated team-mate George Russell twice, even claiming pole position for the sprint. Previously, his average deficit in terms of one-lap pace had been 0.370s.
However, the 18-year-old was beaten by his elder for the sixth time in as many grand prix races.