The starting grid is set according to qualifying results. Verstappen and Norris are poised for a fierce battle in the front row, with Antonelli and Piastri lining up in the second row. The action further back on the track promises excitement as well, with Gasly choosing to start from the pit lane after making adjustments to his suspension system.
Race day at Miami saw overcast skies with ambient temperatures at 27°C and track temperatures soaring to 42°C adding extra challenges for drivers. The 57-lap race mandates at least one pit stop for tire changes; most drivers chose medium tires for their start except for Russell and Hamilton along with Lawson, Hülkenberg, Alonso, Behrman, and Gasly who went for hard tires.
The lights extinguished, and Max Verstappen immediately defended his pole position, successfully fending off a spirited initial challenge from Lando Norris into the first corner. However, Norris soon experienced a momentary lapse, veering wide off the circuit. This excursion proved costly, causing a significant disruption to the top five order as Norris dropped several places down the running.
In the immediate aftermath of this early drama, the front of the field stabilised with Verstappen maintaining his lead. Andrea Kimi Antonelli held second place, closely followed by Oscar Piastri in third, George Russell in fourth, and Alexander Albon rounding out the top five. Further back in the pack, an unfortunate incident unfolded involving Isack Hadjar and Zane Maloney. Contact between the two drivers led to Hadjar’s race coming to a premature end, while Maloney was forced to retire shortly after due to a resulting puncture. This incident prompted the deployment of the Virtual Safety Car, neutralising the race pace across the track for two laps.
As the Virtual Safety Car period concluded and the green flags waved on Lap 4, the intensity immediately ramped up. The McLaren drivers, Piastri and Norris, now found themselves in positions to advance through the field. Piastri wasted no time, moving up to second place, while Norris, having recovered from his earlier off-track moment, successfully reclaimed a position within the top five, slotting into fifth. Simultaneously, Race Control activated the Drag Reduction System (DRS), allowing drivers within one second of the car ahead on designated straights the opportunity to attempt overtakes. A weather update was also issued, warning teams and drivers of the possibility of heavy rain arriving after lap twenty, adding another strategic layer to the unfolding race.
With DRS now active, Piastri began to apply considerable pressure on the leading Verstappen. For the next ten laps, from Lap 4 through to Lap 14, the battle at the front was a tense affair. Piastri consistently stayed within the one-second window, utilising DRS on multiple occasions down the main straight, attempting to find a way past. Verstappen, however, demonstrated resolute defensive driving, expertly positioning his car to ward off each attack. The close quarters combat showcased impressive car control and strategic positioning from both drivers.
The relentless pressure from Piastri eventually paid off. On the approach to the start/finish straight on Lap 14, Piastri executed a decisive move, sweeping past Verstappen to take the lead of the race for the first time. As Piastri began to build a rhythm at the front, Norris was also making significant progress further back. Having recovered to fifth, he was showcasing impressive pace, carving his way through the field and rapidly closing the gap to the cars ahead. His strong performance culminated on Lap 18 when he successfully overtook Verstappen to claim second position. However, by this point, Piastri had already established a significant advantage, having built a comfortable nine-second lead over the newly second-placed Norris, positioning himself strongly as the race progressed.
Lap twenty signs rain no driver changes Bortoleto opened pit window clouds decreased leaders pitted plan Behrman retired power unit failure lap twenty-nine triggering another virtual safety car Russell overtook Verstappen Tsunoda penalized five seconds speeding pits.
Lap thirty-three Bortoleto retired again power unit failure virtual safety car Ferrari duo attacked passing Sainz dropped positions post-pit stops McLaren led Piastri won followed closely Norris securing season’s second one-two finish.
Piastri victory expanded standings lead fourth win season three consecutive wins Russell blocked Verstappen podium spot finished thirty seconds behind McLaren pair Williams shone Albon fifth big winner Antonelli sixth chased Leclerc Hamilton Sainz Tsunoda retained final points post-race probe yellow flag breaches Sainz Gasly collision last lap final standings pending further review.