Lando Norris won the Sprint race in Miami ahead of Oscar Piastri and Lewis Hamilton, in a test disturbed by weather conditions, clashes and a decisive strategy. Max Verstappen, penalized after contact with Antonelli, finished out of the Top 8.
The 19 -round sprint started in chaos. Charles Leclerc did not even take part in the race after a crash going towards the grid. Oscar Piastri pointed out “terrible” visibility and “a river” at turn 10, while Verstappen was straight out of the turn 17. Faced with the degradation of the track, the race direction brandished the red flag even before departure.
Departure arrested, Antonelli overwhelmed by Piastri
Andrea Kimi Antonelli left in front of the McLaren. But Piastri took the best start, passed inside and sent Antonelli off trajectory. The Italian then lost three positions. The incident was noted, but deemed non -sanctionable.
McLaren and Contrôle, Verstappen and Perdition
While the conditions improved and the window for the Slicks tires opened, McLaren managed the gap. Norris, more economical on his tires, returned to Piastri in the last 7 laps. Behind, Verstappen was suffering and gave way.
Incident in the stands: penalized Verstappen
In turn 13, Verstappen and Antonelli came into contact in the lane of the stands. Red Bull released the Dutchman right in front of the Mercedes, causing a hanging that damaged the fin before in Verstappen. Result: 10 seconds of penalty for “Unsafe Release”. “Guys, let’s go!” He said, lucid about his team’s mistake.
A perfect timing for Norris
Fernando Alonso was pushed off piste by Liam Lawson, causing a track exit and the intervention of the safety car. Norris, who had not yet changed tires, took advantage of the timing to stop and come out right in front of Piastri.
Ranking frozen under SAFETY CAR
The safety car stayed on track to the checkered flag, freezing the classification. Norris thus won a sprint as strategic as chaotic, ahead of Piastri and Hamilton. Verstappen, relegated outside the points, will have a lot to do to bounce back in the qualifications of the Grand Prix.
