Antonelli beats Norris in chaotic Miami GP as Leclerc gets 20-second penalty

Key facts

• Kimi Antonelli won the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, beating Lando Norris.
• Charles Leclerc received a 20-second penalty after the race.
• Max Verstappen performed a 360-degree spin on the first lap and later received a penalty for crossing the pit exit.
• Isack Hadjar crashed out on Lap 5, calling it a 'very silly mistake'.
• Lewis Hamilton described his race as 'tough' and being in 'no man's land'.
• George Russell called his weekend 'clearly an outlier'.
• Lionel Messi congratulated Antonelli after the race.
• Liam Lawson was not penalised for flipping Pierre Gasly.

A stunning debut victory in Miami

Kimi Antonelli stormed into the lead of the 2026 Miami Grand Prix with daring passes on Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, securing his first Formula 1 victory in a race defined by chaos and controversy. The 18-year-old Italian, driving for Mercedes, capitalised on a series of incidents that reshuffled the field and left seasoned champions struggling. Antonelli's win was immediately hailed as a breakthrough moment, with football superstar Lionel Messi among those offering congratulations. The victory also prompted Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, to declare that critics of the 2026 regulations 'should hide' after what he called a 'spectacular' race.

Leclerc's penalty and Russell's struggles

Charles Leclerc endured a disastrous afternoon, culminating in a 20-second penalty handed down after the race. The Ferrari driver also suffered a slow pit stop and a last-lap spin that cost him two positions, compounding a frustrating weekend. George Russell, Leclerc's rival, described his own Miami weekend as 'clearly an outlier', reflecting a tough race that left him in 'no man's land'. Lewis Hamilton echoed similar sentiments, calling his race 'tough' and lamenting his inability to fight at the front.

Verstappen's rally-style spin and penalty

Max Verstappen provided one of the race's most memorable moments with a 360-degree spin on the first lap, later joking that 'if F1 doesn't work out I can always go rally'. The Red Bull driver, however, was not spared from penalties, receiving one for crossing the pit exit during the race. Verstappen's spin and subsequent penalty added to the drama of a race that saw multiple incidents, including Isack Hadjar crashing out on Lap 5. Hadjar was furious with himself, calling it a 'very silly mistake'.

No penalty for Lawson's flip on Gasly

Liam Lawson escaped punishment after flipping Pierre Gasly during the race, a decision that sparked debate among fans and pundits. The stewards determined that no further action was necessary, leaving Gasly's team frustrated. This incident was one of several that contributed to the race's chaotic reputation, with international media describing the Miami GP as 'eventful' and 'chaotic'.

Rule changes and the return of V8s

The Miami GP also served as a testing ground for F1's latest rule changes, which were met with mixed reactions. Some teams praised the increased overtaking opportunities, while others questioned the long-term impact on racing quality. Meanwhile, the debate over V8 engines resurfaced, with discussions about their potential return to the sport adding another layer of intrigue to the weekend. The 'quick fix or work to be done' question lingered as teams analysed the data.

Winners and losers from a wild weekend

The Miami GP produced a clear set of winners and losers. Antonelli emerged as the biggest winner, while Mattia Binotto, Ferrari team principal, was named 'who slept worst last night' after Leclerc's penalty and the team's overall performance. Norris, despite finishing second, will rue missed opportunities, especially as he had the pace to challenge for the win. The race also highlighted the growing competitiveness of the midfield, with several teams closing the gap to the frontrunners.

What comes next for F1 after Miami

The chaotic Miami GP has set the stage for a compelling season ahead, with Antonelli's victory shaking up the championship dynamics. Mercedes' apparent strategic edge over McLaren has raised questions about whether they have outsmarted their rivals. As the paddock moves to the next race, the focus will be on consistency and whether the new regulations can continue to produce unpredictable, thrilling races. The Miami GP has proven that F1's 2026 season is anything but predictable.

The bottom line

• Kimi Antonelli won his first F1 race at the 2026 Miami GP, beating Lando Norris.
• Charles Leclerc received a 20-second penalty after the race, compounding a difficult weekend.
• Max Verstappen spun 360 degrees on the first lap and later received a penalty for crossing the pit exit.
• Isack Hadjar crashed out on Lap 5, calling his mistake 'very silly'.
• Liam Lawson was not penalised for flipping Pierre Gasly.
• The race featured multiple incidents, penalties, and a surprise winner, highlighting the unpredictability of the 2026 regulations.