Miami Grand Prix: five quick takeaways

There was a long battle for the lead between Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, another between the Dutchman and Lando Norris, a sensational sprint pole lap from Andrea Kimi Antonelli – and an outstanding performance from Alex Albon…

The 2025 Miami Grand Prix offered plenty to talk about.

Much more than just ‘a narrative’: Verstappen doesn’t have the weapons he needs

When we spoke to Andrea Stella after Verstappen secured pole on Saturday, the McLaren team boss remarked that Red Bull creates “a narrative.” Stella believes the RB21 is a better car than Red Bull implies – but the Miami Grand Prix painted a different picture.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

Yes, Verstappen can make the difference over a single lap, but he doesn’t have the tools he needs to match McLaren’s race pace over a full race. That became increasingly obvious on track around the Hard Rock Stadium. Verstappen impressed with his pole lap and fought hard in the early stages, but once Piastri and Norris got past him, the gap in tyre degradation was stark.

The virtual safety car timing didn’t play into Verstappen’s hands, and running an older engine than both McLaren and Mercedes certainly didn’t help. The Miami weekend was an unfortunate one for Verstappen – but above all, it revealed that Red Bull simply isn’t there yet.

– Ronald Vording

Norris’ battle with Verstappen denies him the win in Miami

Once again, it was too little, too late for Norris in his battle with Verstappen. He couldn’t capitalise on his rival’s deep defence into Turn 1, and then fell into the Dutchman’s trap by running off track in Turn 2 – dropping as far as sixth in the process. Had he handled the situation differently, Norris would likely have had another opportunity to pass Verstappen, given McLaren’s superior pace compared to the Red Bull.

Lando Norris, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images

Although he recovered quickly with strong moves on Albon’s Williams and the Mercedes cars of George Russell and Antonelli, the start proved to be the decisive moment of his race.

Norris had a shot at redemption when he caught Verstappen after the Red Bull driver lost the lead to Piastri. But it took him three attempts to make the move stick – including one effort where he pushed Verstappen wide at Turn 11 on lap 18, sending both cars off the track and forcing him to give the position back.

He finally got the job done on the following lap, but by then Piastri had pulled clear, and Norris had to settle for second as his teammate cruised to his third consecutive win – and fourth in six Grands Prix so far in 2025.

– Federico Faturos

Williams now clear favourite for P5 in constructors’ championship

Still using Excel spreadsheets instead of more modern IT solutions? It might be time to call James Vowles and Pat Fry to fix that.

Alex Albon, Williams

Photo by: James Sutton / Motorsport Images

Jokes aside, Williams’ progress is real. Carlos Sainz annoyed quite a few fellow drivers last year by taking his time to weigh all his options – but it was clearly worth it. The Miami race must have felt satisfying for the Spaniard. Not even in his sweetest dreams did he imagine he’d be fighting Ferraris on merit.

In Miami, Williams were the fourth-fastest team – and that probably won’t be the case at many tracks this year. But with highs like this, Vowles’ team should clearly stay ahead of their main midfield rivals.

– Oleg Karpov

Ferrari should consider switching focus to 2026

“It’s just frustrating because when you give your best and the best is P8 with a Ferrari, it hurts,” Charles Leclerc told Sky Sports after qualifying. “And the two Williams are also in front of us, on a normal lap.”

Expectations ahead of the season were reasonably high. Ferrari opted to redesign its car – and it looked like a genuine attempt to get back in the fight for titles. With Lewis Hamilton set to join, there was added hype around the Scuderia – but the Miami Grand Prix offered a sobering reality check. Not only is Ferrari failing to catch its supposed rivals, it’s actually slowly falling behind.

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images

With 2026 set to bring massive regulation changes, it might not be unreasonable for Ferrari to accept that this season can’t be salvaged – and instead shift all available resources to the next project. At this rate, 2025 won’t just fall short of expectations – it risks becoming another wasted year.

– Oleg Karpov

Wolff is right: Antonelli is the real deal

While Antonelli was still struggling in F2, Toto Wolff’s decision to sign the Italian teenager for 2025 didn’t seem entirely convincing. Yes, everyone understood that the Mercedes boss wouldn’t place his trust in Kimi unless he was sure of the youngster’s exceptional talent – yet there remained a lingering doubt: wasn’t this just an attempt to make up for missing out on Max Verstappen back in 2016?

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

Now, it’s becoming increasingly clear that it wasn’t just that. Miami proved Kimi is the real deal. Securing pole for the sprint and being the quicker of the two Mercedes drivers in only his fifth F1 race weekend is seriously impressive – especially given George Russell’s form this year.

Yes, Russell still finished higher – but it’s fair to say that wasn’t without a bit of luck. Antonelli’s first podium is coming – and rather soon.

– Oleg Karpov

Photos from Miami GP – Race