Kimi Antonelli Shines Bright at the Las Vegas Grand Prix: A Masterclass in Tire Management!
In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, Andrea Kimi Antonelli has once again taken the Formula 1 world by storm, achieving an impressive third podium finish at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Starting from a challenging 17th position on the grid, the young Italian showcased his extraordinary talent by deftly navigating a race filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Taking advantage of a crucial virtual safety car period, Antonelli made a bold move to switch to hard tires, which he expertly managed over a grueling 48 laps. This remarkable feat of tire conservation became a test of endurance, as he fought to control tire degradation and the dreaded “graining.” With a strategic one-stop approach, Antonelli surged through the ranks, eventually claiming fourth place despite relentless pressure from Oscar Piastri.
The race took a dramatic turn as disqualifications for both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri opened the door for Antonelli to ascend to the coveted third position, marking another significant highlight in his burgeoning career with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.
Reflecting on the tense moments of the race, Antonelli admitted to feeling the weight of pressure in the final laps, particularly when uncertainty arose due to potential penalties. “I literally spoke to the tires in the last 20 laps, pleading with them to hold on,” he revealed. “I was genuinely worried about the graining throughout the race, but once I hit clear air—especially on the final lap—thanks to my team’s guidance on driving, I noticed the degradation improving. We managed to hold on, and in fact, my laps got quicker. It’s a pity we started so far back, but it’s all part of the learning process, and now it’s time to focus on the next two races.”
Antonelli’s confidence was palpable as he navigated the final stretch of the race. “With twenty laps to go, I heard over the radio that I was on Plan B, which meant I knew I had to push to the end,” he explained. “I felt comfortable in the last ten laps with Oscar trailing behind me, and as the tire wear improved, my pace strengthened.”
As the finish line approached, Antonelli’s thoughts briefly turned to potential penalties. “With three laps to go, I thought to myself, ‘I might just finish sixth because of the penalty,’ but I managed to establish enough of a gap to secure fifth place. It was incredibly challenging; I believe a slight movement at the start caused some issues, but I didn’t feel it in the car. I need to review the footage to understand better what happened.”
With this stellar performance in Las Vegas, Kimi Antonelli not only solidified his reputation as a rising star in Formula 1 but also demonstrated the art of tire management—an essential skill in the high-stakes world of racing. As the season heats up, all eyes will be on this talented driver as he prepares for the next thrilling challenges ahead!








