Norris Wins Miami Sprint as McLaren Ends Mercedes Dominance

Key facts

• Lando Norris won the 19-lap Miami Sprint, finishing ahead of Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc.
• Kimi Antonelli dropped from second to fourth at the start and was later demoted to sixth for a track limits violation.
• Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton engaged in a close battle, with Verstappen finishing fifth after Antonelli's penalty.
• Nico Hulkenberg's Audi caught fire on the way to the grid, forcing him to retire.
• Pierre Gasly scored the final point for Alpine in eighth place.
• The Miami Grand Prix start time was moved to 1 p.m. ET due to forecasted heavy rain.
• Alex Zanardi passed away, with the paddock observing a minute of silence before the Sprint.

Norris Leads McLaren One-Two in Sprint

Lando Norris delivered a commanding performance in Saturday's Sprint at the Miami International Autodrome, leading from pole to chequered flag. The McLaren driver crossed the line ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, marking McLaren's return to winning ways after a five-week break. Norris gradually pulled away from the pack, never threatened by the battles behind him. Piastri held second throughout, while Leclerc completed the podium. The result gave McLaren a crucial boost in the constructors' championship, as Mercedes had dominated the season's opening rounds.

Antonelli's Tricky Start and Penalty

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli had a difficult Sprint, dropping from second to fourth off the line. The Mercedes driver then engaged in a battle with teammate George Russell, swapping positions multiple times before emerging ahead. However, Antonelli was later penalized for a track limits violation, demoting him to sixth place after the race. Russell, who started sixth, finished seventh. The penalty allowed Max Verstappen to move up to fifth, while Antonelli's struggles continued a challenging weekend for Mercedes after their dominant start to the 2026 season was halted in Sprint Qualifying.

Verstappen and Hamilton Duel

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton provided one of the afternoon's highlights, rubbing wheels on the opening lap and again midway through the race. Verstappen, in an upgraded Red Bull, had enough pace to hold off Hamilton and cross the line in sixth, which became fifth after Antonelli's penalty. Hamilton finished seventh, unable to challenge the top five. The battle underscored Red Bull's improved form after a difficult start to the season, while Ferrari's Leclerc remained in podium contention throughout.

Hulkenberg Fire and Other Retirements

Audi's hopes of scoring points were dashed when Nico Hulkenberg's car caught fire on the way to the grid, forcing him to retire before the race began. Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad also failed to start, having been due to start from the pit lane after mechanics breached regulations by working on his car beyond the allowed time. He never made it out on track. Gabriel Bortoleto, who started strongly, faded to 11th, ahead of Haas drivers Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman. Carlos Sainz and Liam Lawson led their respective teams in 14th and 15th, while Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll finished 16th and 18th after starting on soft tyres.

Cadillac's Home Race and Late Drama

Cadillac ended their first home F1 race in 17th and 20th positions, with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas unable to challenge for points. Williams' Alex Albon stopped for a front wing change late on, finishing 19th. Pierre Gasly grabbed the final point for Alpine in eighth, while the other Red Bull of Isack Hadjar and teammate Franco Colapinto engaged in an exciting scrap over the final laps. The Sprint marked the first on-track action after an extended five-week gap, with F1 returning to Miami on Friday. Mercedes' dominant start to the 2026 campaign was emphatically ended in Sprint Qualifying, as McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull closed the gap.

Zanardi Tributes and Weather Concerns

The paddock came together on Saturday morning to remember motorsport and Paralympic legend Alex Zanardi, who passed away as day turned to night on Friday. A minute of silence was observed ahead of the Sprint, with a host of tributes paid throughout the day. Meanwhile, the Miami Grand Prix start time was moved to 1 p.m. ET on Sunday due to forecasts of severe thunderstorms. The FIA, Formula One Management, and the Miami GP issued a joint statement, citing the need to ensure the least disruption and prioritise safety for drivers, fans, teams, and staff. The original start time of 4 p.m. ET was expected to coincide with heavy rain.

Outlook for the Grand Prix

Kimi Antonelli will start from pole for the main race after a superb qualifying performance, finishing 0.166 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen. Charles Leclerc will start third, with Norris fourth after his Sprint win. The grid promises a thrilling contest, with the earlier start time potentially affecting tyre strategies and race dynamics. McLaren's Sprint victory has narrowed the gap to Mercedes, but Antonelli's pole position reaffirms the Silver Arrows' pace. The weather remains a wildcard, with the threat of rain adding uncertainty to a race that could reshape the championship battle.

The bottom line

• Lando Norris won the Miami Sprint, leading a McLaren one-two ahead of Piastri and Leclerc.
• Kimi Antonelli's penalty dropped him to sixth, allowing Verstappen to gain a position.
• Nico Hulkenberg's car fire and Arvid Lindblad's non-start reduced the field to 18 finishers.
• The Miami Grand Prix start time was moved to 1 p.m. ET due to forecasted heavy rain.
• Alex Zanardi's death was commemorated with a minute of silence before the Sprint.
• Antonelli will start the Grand Prix from pole, with Verstappen and Leclerc alongside.