Kimi Antonelli is doing more than just winning in Formula 1—he's rewriting the history books. The young Mercedes driver has achieved something no one in the sport has ever done before: securing his first three pole positions and his first three grand prix victories in succession. It's a rare double streak that even legends like Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen never managed to pull off.
After his latest win at the Miami Grand Prix, Antonelli kept it cool. "It's a cool stat," he said with a shrug. "I didn't know, but I don't really want to think too much about it. I'm just going to enjoy the moment." That laid-back attitude might be exactly what's fueling his incredible run.
The Italian's journey to this milestone started just six weeks ago at the Chinese Grand Prix, where he claimed his first pole position and followed it up with his maiden Formula 1 victory. He didn't stop there. In Japan, he did it again—pole and win. Then came Miami, where he completed the hat trick. After just four race weekends in the 2026 season, Antonelli is sitting pretty at the top of the championship standings, looking every bit the title contender Mercedes believed he could be.
What makes this achievement even more special is the company he now keeps. Before Antonelli, only Ayrton Senna (1985 with Lotus) and Michael Schumacher (1994 with Benetton) had managed to start their F1 careers with three consecutive pole positions. Both went on to become multiple world champions, with Schumacher clinching his first title in that very same season. But neither Senna nor Schumacher could turn those poles into three straight wins. That honor belonged to Damon Hill (1993 with Williams) and Mika Hakkinen (across 1997-1998 with McLaren)—both of whom also became world champions.
The fact that every driver who achieved a similar feat went on to win championships speaks volumes about Antonelli's potential. For Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who made the bold decision to promote Antonelli early, this record is validation that the gamble is paying off in spectacular fashion. If history is any guide, the best may be yet to come for this young star.