Kimi Antonelli believes Mercedes has reached an “unacceptable” level regarding its Formula 1 race starts after once again losing positions during the 2026 Miami Grand Prix weekend. The championship leader stressed that immediate improvements are required as the competitive gaps across the grid continue to close.
Across six standing starts so far this season, including four Grands Prix and two Sprint races, Antonelli has lost positions every time the lights have gone out. The issue was particularly visible during the Miami Sprint when the Italian dropped from second on the grid to eighth within the opening corners. Although he recovered to finish fourth on the road before receiving a track limits penalty, the recurring weakness remains a growing concern for Mercedes.
The same pattern appeared again in the Miami Grand Prix itself, even if the consequences were less severe compared to the Sprint. Antonelli warned that the problem is becoming increasingly costly given how closely rivals such as McLaren F1 Team, Red Bull Racing, and Ferrari are now matching Mercedes on race pace.
“It is not acceptable, especially on a weekend like this, where the gaps were a lot closer and a bad start can really change the race,” Antonelli told media including RacingNews365.
Mercedes had already admitted miscalculating the available grip level during the Miami Sprint launch procedure. Team principal Toto Wolff publicly accepted responsibility for the error and cleared Antonelli of procedural mistakes. However, the young driver acknowledged there are also personal adaptation issues he still needs to solve regarding Formula 1 clutch behaviour.
Antonelli admitted he remains inconsistent during the clutch-drop phase, particularly in identifying the ideal release point needed to maximise traction. Under modern Formula 1 regulations, launch performance depends heavily on surface grip estimation, tyre temperature, hybrid torque delivery, and precise clutch modulation during the opening metres.
“Mainly from me, I'm still a little bit inconsistent, especially on clutch-drop. I still don't have that confidence being consistent with that,” Antonelli explained.
Despite the recurring issue, Antonelli felt he managed the Grand Prix situation more calmly compared to the Sprint race. After losing positions at the start, he focused on tyre management and race rhythm rather than overdriving the car. The approach once again helped preserve valuable points in the early stages of the world championship fight.
Mercedes is now expected to prioritise solving its launch weakness ahead of the upcoming European rounds. With both the drivers’ and constructors’ battles tightening rapidly, maintaining position off the line could become a decisive factor in Antonelli’s attempt to sustain his early-season championship momentum.
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