Kimi Antonelli expects Mercedes’ rivals to close gap at Miami GP

Kimi Antonelli, the 19-year-old Italian Formula 1 points leader, spoke to reporters Thursday ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, acknowledging that rivals are expected to close the gap on Mercedes this Sunday. Antonelli currently leads the Drivers' Championship after winning both the Chinese and Japanese Grand Prix from pole position, while teammate George Russell, who won the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, sits second just nine points behind. Antonelli confirmed Mercedes has permitted the two drivers to race each other, provided they do so with mutual respect.