Albon Questions Legality of Mercedes W16 After Miami Sp… read more
The Miami Grand Prix has seen its fair share of drama, and this time it’s not just the track action drawing attention. Williams driver Alex Albon has publicly questioned the legality of the Mercedes W16 Formula 1 car following a surprising performance during sprint qualifying. Mercedes drivers George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli impressed many with their pace, both making it into SQ3 and showing a level of competitiveness that raised eyebrows throughout the paddock.
Albon, after a close-up look at Russell’s car during the post-session parc fermé period, expressed concern over what he saw. During a radio exchange with his race engineer, Albon candidly stated, “I don’t know how that Merc is legal.” The message, received with a terse “copy” from his team, has since sparked speculation about what exactly the Williams driver observed on the W16.
Mercedes’ speed during the session was undeniable. Antonelli, the 18-year-old Italian sensation, set a new track record at the Miami International Autodrome, clocking in a time of 1:26.482. With that lap, he not only secured his first pole position in F1 but also became the youngest driver to start from the front row of the grid in a sprint race. Russell, meanwhile, also showed strong pace, suggesting a significant step forward in Mercedes’ performance.
The sudden uptick in performance has led to murmurs in the paddock, and Albon’s comment gave voice to what some might have already been wondering behind the scenes. During the Sky Sports F1 broadcast, commentators David Croft and Martin Brundle analyzed Albon’s remarks, suggesting the issue may relate to the car’s ride height.
“George Russell was saying in practice that the car was sparking quite a lot,” Croft noted, implying that the W16 might be running particularly low to the ground. “That would go hand in hand with a lower ride height. But Albon spotted something that he felt was worthy of bringing attention to a wider audience.”
Brundle echoed the sentiment, though he questioned the practical ability of a driver to discern anything conclusive with a visual inspection alone. “It’s not going to be some kind of aerodynamic measurement, is it?” Brundle mused. “Unless he’s got X-ray eyes! He’s seen something, and it could well be he thinks it’s dragging very close to the ground.”
In Formula 1, ride height plays a critical role in car performance. Lowering the car brings aerodynamic benefits, increasing downforce and reducing drag. However, regulations mandate minimum ride heights and plank wear rules to ensure teams don’t go too far. A car that runs too low risks being disqualified post-race if excessive wear is found on the car’s skid blocks.
Despite the speculations, the FIA—the governing body of Formula 1—has not announced any investigation into the legality of the Mercedes W16. Neither Antonelli nor Russell’s cars have been flagged for irregularities, and Mercedes remains confident in the legality of their package. Sources close to the team suggest that the W16’s improved pace may stem from a recent upgrade package and a more refined setup tailored specifically for the low-downforce demands of the Miami circuit.
This incident also adds a layer of intrigue to Antonelli’s sensational rise. The young driver has been under immense scrutiny as he replaces Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes next season, and delivering a pole position this early in his career has further intensified the spotlight on him. His mature performances and calm demeanor in high-pressure situations have already drawn comparisons to the greats of the sport.
While Albon’s comment may have been offhand or driven by competitive frustration, it has fueled discussions around the paddock and within the media. Whether it results in any formal investigation remains to be seen, but it highlights the razor-thin margins and ever-present scrutiny at the pinnacle of motorsport.
For now, the spotlight remains on Mercedes and Kimi Antonelli heading into the sprint race. All eyes will be on the W16—not just for its speed, but for any sign that something unusual might indeed be contributing to its sudden resurgence in performance.
