Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli, the youngest championship leader in Formula 1 history, will seek to complete a hat-trick of early season victories this weekend as F1 returns after a month’s enforced absence due to the Middle East war.

The 19-year-old Mercedes driver, triumphant in China and Japan, leads teammate George Russell, who won the season-opening Australian race, by nine points ahead of what is effectively the start of another season, complete with revised rules and widespread car upgrades, at the Miami Grand Prix.

“After a month without any racing, we are ready to get back on track,” said Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff. “We’ve used this break to analyse the opening races, address our weaknesses and raise our level.

“We’ve started the season well, but that counts for very little if you stand still. We know our competitors will have used this time to improve and build a deeper understanding of their cars so we expect the field to be closer in Miami.

“That’s the reality of F1 – it’s a challenge we must rise to.”

Antonelli made headlines last year when the Italian, then 18, became the youngest pole-sitter in any F1 format after sprint qualifying and he returns with the hype ramping up back home.