Kimi Antonelli endured another poor start in the Miami Grand Prix sprint, with Mercedes openly accepting responsibility for the issue. Team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that the problem was not driver-related but caused by a technical glitch on the team’s side.
Starting from second on the grid, Antonelli lost multiple positions off the line—an issue that has recurred throughout the 2026 season. Although he managed to recover positions on track, including overtaking George Russell, his overall result was compromised by both the poor launch and a later penalty.
From a technical standpoint, Wolff suggested a system “glitch” affected the start procedure, likely involving the synchronisation of clutch engagement and power delivery. In modern Formula 1, even minor inconsistencies in launch systems can have a major impact given the tightly packed grid.
"It was not Kimi’s fault. There was a glitch on our side, and with such a bad getaway, it becomes very difficult to maintain position."
Antonelli himself confirmed that he executed the start procedure correctly, indicating the root cause lies within the car’s mechanical or electronic systems. He also admitted that frustration following the poor start affected his driving, contributing to mistakes that later resulted in a track limits penalty.
"For once, I did everything right with the procedures. We need to check what happened, as grip was also lower than expected."
This situation highlights ongoing operational challenges for Mercedes, particularly ahead of a major upgrade package scheduled for Canada. Ensuring alignment between technical development and execution will be critical to maintaining competitiveness.
With increasing pressure from rivals, resolving this fundamental issue will be key for Mercedes. Improving start consistency could prove decisive in preserving their championship position as the 2026 season enters a more competitive phase.
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