The FIA’s 2026 rules changes for Miami Grand Prix have just fixed Kimi Antonelli’s biggest weakness

Follow us on Google Discover

The FIA’s measures for the Miami Grand Prix are aimed at improving the 2026 regulations for all teams and drivers, but Kimi Antonelli will be beaming about the changes to the start procedure.

Multiple drivers have complained about the 2026 F1 regulations, expressing dissatisfaction over how to drive the cars and manage the batteries. The Japanese GP proved how unsafe they are, after Oliver Bearman’s nasty accident while chasing Franco Colapinto.

Max Verstappen has been calling for the FIA to change the rules and is subsequently threatening to leave F1 over them. The governing body recently met with team bosses to discuss how to improve the regulations, and new measures will be in place in Miami.

Changes for qualifying will hopefully limit super-clipping and provide more flat-out performance during a lap, while the FIA have also tried to ensure that the sudden speed difference when recharging a battery in a race does not become dangerous.

Race starts have also been addressed, with a new system set to be trialled in Miami that detects when a car’s acceleration is too slow off the line. F1 has already seen a dramatic near-miss on the grid when Colapinto almost rear-ended Liam Lawson in Melbourne.

These changes to the start procedure will be music to the ears of championship leader Antonelli and Mercedes, whose biggest weakness may have been fixed.

The FIA has just fixed Kimi Antonelli’s problems with race starts

Antonelli tops the standings after three races in 2026, winning the last two events from pole position. The Italian and teammate George Russell are benefiting greatly from Mercedes’ technical advancements this year, but starts have been a huge problem.

Toto Wolff admitted race starts were ‘difficult’ for Mercedes in Japan, evidenced by Antonelli dropping from pole to P6 off the line. He managed to claim the win, but on another day, that poor start could have been damaging to his title chances.

It is his biggest weakness and it needs to be addressed. Fortunately, the FIA have done it for him with the new system for the Miami GP that allows the MGU-K to produce more acceleration in the event of a poor getaway.

Now, of course, it is worth mentioning that this does not prevent a bad start, but it will limit the damage of one. Antonelli may not lose as many positions on the grid as he did at Suzuka, and for safety, it decreases the chances of a collision.

It is not known for certain what the cause of Antonelli’s poor start is. But the FIA’s changes will certainly make him more relaxed, as they should be nowhere near as bad as they have been, and it could be hugely beneficial for his title charge.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Mercedes F1 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli

George Russell is now under immense pressure to win 2026 title over Kimi Antonelli

Mercedes will be looking to continue their 100% start to the 2026 season in Miami. More importantly, Russell will be looking to get back on track after losing to his teammate in the last two races.

The Brit was seen as the clear favourite for the title this year, but now Antonelli is proving to be a serious threat. It is still early days, of course, but Russell is under pressure.

Nigel Mansell says ‘everyone’ is rooting for Antonelli to win the championship. Russell will want to change the tide and clinch his maiden title, but the pressure from within his team is mounting.

Mercedes no longer see Russell as the favourite, but now view Antonelli as a title contender. It is up to him to show his experience and stamp his authority, and the improved race starts could be just as beneficial for him.