Kimi Antonelli described Mercedes’ difficulties at the starts of the 2026 Formula 1 season as “unacceptable.” The driver revealed that he is still seeking more consistency in clutch engagement, a problem that has contributed to losing positions in races. In the six standing starts contested so far, Antonelli dropped back in the pack every time. Even so, he managed to recover to win the China, Japan, and Miami rounds.
Read more F1: Croft says «alarm bells start ringing» if Russell does not beat Antonelli in Canada
In the Miami Sprint, the Italian started second, dropped to eighth, and finished fourth on track before receiving a five-second penalty for track limits. After the race, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff took responsibility and explained that the team misjudged the track grip.
Antonelli, however, admitted that he still needs to improve his starting procedure: “I mean, [the race] to be honest, wasn’t that bad. I think I lost two positions, and in the Sprint I lost six, so it was a bit better,” he said.
The driver highlighted that the problem could have an even greater impact on an increasingly balanced grid.
Read more F1: How the digital universe brings Formula 1 fans closer
“But it’s not acceptable, I think especially on a weekend like this, where the differences were much smaller, [a bad start] can really change the race.”
The championship leader also explained that he still lacks confidence in clutch engagement: “Especially on my part, I’m still a bit inconsistent, especially in clutch engagement. I still don’t have the confidence to be consistent in that,” he concluded.
Read more F1: Stella talks about an «interesting» technical phase and uses Red Bull’s sidepod as an example
