F1 returns to the United States as they head to the Miami Grand Prix. McLaren driver Oscar Piastri leads the Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship with teammate Lando Norris trailing 10 points behind. Piastri is the first Australian to lead the championship since former Red Bull Racing driver and his manager Mark Webber in 2010.
The track
The Miami Grand Prix is hosted by the Miami International Autodrome. The circuit is located at the Hard Rock Stadium, home field for the Miami Dolphins. The inaugural race was held in 2022, making this year the fourth time we are racing in Miami. Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen currently holds the record for most wins around this track. The circuit is 5.41 km in length with 19 corners, three straights, and three DRS Zones.
What happened last year at the F1 Miami GP?
At the start of the race, former Red Bull Racing driver Sergio Perez locked up into Turn 1 and almost hit teammate Max Verstappen who started on pole position. Both drivers got away unscathed and Verstappen stormed into the lead, building a 3-second gap to the driver behind. Norris started the race from a steady P5.
Verstappen brings out the Virtual Safety Car
Later in the race, Verstappen ran over the kerb at the tricky chicane and hit a bollard, causing floor damage to his car. A Virtual Safety Car was called to remove the bollard from the track. Many drivers pitted shortly after the VSC, but Norris stayed out and took the lead of the race as he extended his medium stint thanks to good tyre management.
Mid-race Safety Car leads Norris to victory
While Norris led the race, former Haas driver Kevin Magnussen and Williams driver Logan Sargeant collided, bringing out the Safety Car. Unfortunately, Sargeant had to retire at his home race and Magnussen was handed a 10-second time penalty for causing a collision.
Norris pitted under the Safety Car and came out ahead of Verstappen, maintaining his lead. At the restart, Norris managed to keep the race lead and built a gap to Verstappen, whose damaged car hampered his pace.
Norris took his maiden win during his 110th race weekend. Verstappen finished on the podium in P2, and Charles Leclerc finished P3.
Carlos Sainz and Oscar Piastri fight on track
That’s not all that happened at the Miami Grand Prix — Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz had a fierce battle. Piastri took advantage of the chaotic race start to launch himself from P6 to P3, eventually overtaking Leclerc for P2. After the Safety Car restart, Piastri and Sainz were P4 and P5, respectively, and fighting for a potential podium finish.
Sainz attempted an overtake on Piastri for P4, but Piastri pushed him wide to defend his position. Sainz stated that Piastri should give the position back for pushing him off the track. The stewards disagreed as Piastri was overtaking on the inside and his front tyres were ahead of Sainz. No penalties were given out.
Sainz attempted another overtake on Piastri. Sainz had a lock-up and their cars made contact, but he completed the overtake. Piastri attempted to retake the position but locked up, securing P4 for Sainz.
Unfortunately for him, Piastri sustained front wing damage from the contact and fell to P13, finishing outside of the points. Sainz received a 5-second penalty for causing a collision and dropped to P5.
2025 F1 Miami Grand Prix Schedule (Track Time)
Free Practice 1: 12:30-1:30pm EST
Sprint Qualifying: 4:30-5:15pm EST
Sprint: 12:00-1:00pm EST
Qualifying: 4:00-5:00pm EST
Race: 4:00pm EST
Tune into the race to see if Norris can recreate his victory at the F1 Miami GP this year as he looks to rebuild his season following a tough run in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
