After every Formula 1 race, driver Jeroen Bleekemolen shares his findings in an exclusive column for Formule1.nl. Who or what caught his attention, what went well, and what needs to change? This time: the continuation of the F1 season in Miami, where the drivers – despite the absence of the predicted thunderstorms – provided an entertaining spectacle, with three-time race winner Kimi Antonelli in the absolute leading role.
Read more Toto Wolff warns Antonelli after third consecutive win: ‘Don’t get overconfident’
Formula 1 was finally a bit unpredictable again in Miami – it went in all directions. Everyone participated: McLaren, Mercedes, and actually also Ferrari. And in between, Verstappen drove, even though with this material he doesn’t really belong in that fight. In any case, it was exciting again, although that had little to do with the adjusted regulations.
I must admit honestly: it was an entertaining race, but the yo-yo effect is still present – albeit to a lesser extent. That creates a mixed feeling: entertaining to watch, but at the end of the day only a small step in the right direction. The real race DNA is still missing.
Upgrade packages
Most top teams – except for the dominant Mercedes – introduced extensive upgrade packages in Miami. So you could expect the field to come closer together. Moreover, there was a five-week break behind us; during that time teams could learn a lot from each other and further develop those insights. In that regard, McLaren seems to have made the biggest leap.
Read more Verstappen reacts to spin in opening lap of GP Miami: ‘Can always go rally driving’
And let’s not forget Red Bull: that team was not impressive in the first races, while in Miami I enjoyed Max Verstappen the most. Of course, he spun at the start – although he was slightly squeezed by Leclerc – but you don’t hear him complain about that. And how he then regains control of that car is incredible. After that followed a fine overtaking race, like we also know from the years before his dominance. That he then ‘only’ finishes fifth doesn’t matter much – with this material he probably would have stayed in those positions anyway. He certainly had fun.
Antonelli’s finest
Before the season, I had named Antonelli as a favorite. That was – to be honest – also a bit of a gamble, but it’s wonderful to see how he is now manifesting himself, especially considering his age and experience. Of course, he has a top car, but Russell clearly struggled more with it in Miami. Antonelli, on the other hand, dares to throw it in there sometimes: he’s not afraid, he just does it. This was without a doubt his finest victory so far.
Also about the team radios: maybe not always completely cool-headed yet – which is not strange with a heartbeat of 180 – but he knows what he wants. Moreover, he is not afraid to be critical towards the team. The question now is whether he can maintain this momentum in Canada, where he can REALLY deal a big blow to George Russell. Russell has traditionally been strong in Montréal, but the competition – especially from McLaren – will be tough again there. That is exactly what makes the championship so unpredictable at the moment.
Read more Max Verstappen sees areas for improvement in Miami: ‘Better than the last few weekends’
Read everything about GP Miami here
