Miami Sprint Madness: McLaren’s High, Ferrari’s Low, and Verstappen’s Nightmare Weekend

The 2025 Miami Grand Prix Sprint wasn’t just dramatic, it was bedlam. Between Charles Leclerc crashing before the start, Kimi Antonelli losing the lead in seconds, and Max Verstappen suffering one of the worst days of his Red Bull career, the sprint flipped the championship narrative on its head. McLaren thrived, Ferrari gambled, and Red Bull imploded, all under a moody South Florida sky.

Leclerc’s Recon Crash: Ferrari Strategy Under Fire

Charles Leclerc’s sprint ended before it started after he lost control on the reconnaissance lap, crashing into the wall at Turn 10. Ferrari had sent both drivers out on slicks despite standing water on the track, a decision that proved costly. The FIA launched an investigation into whether Leclerc attempted to return the car in an unsafe condition.

This incident reignited long-standing criticisms about Ferrari’s decision-making under pressure. It wasn’t just poor luck, it was a strategic misfire in unsafe conditions that no other team attempted.

Norris Triumphs, Piastri Holds the Lead

Lando Norris capitalized brilliantly, claiming victory after a late safety car bunched up the field. McLaren timed their slick tire switch to perfection, and Norris executed a clean overtake on teammate Oscar Piastri, who retains a nine-point lead in the standings.

The performance reflects McLaren’s growing maturity in race management. In wet-to-dry conditions, they were the only team to make all the right calls.

Hamilton Gambles Right

Lewis Hamilton once again demonstrated his value as a strategic operator. By being one of the first to switch to slicks, he vaulted himself into a podium position. After Ferrari’s misstep with Leclerc, Hamilton’s third-place finish was a much-needed result.

More than just a points haul, it was a show of composure and experience, two qualities Ferrari desperately needed amid the chaos.

Antonelli: From Pole to P10, and Then More Drama

Kimi Antonelli started from pole but got swallowed up off the line, dropping to P4 within seconds after going wide at Turn 1 fighting with Oscar Piastri. The pressure of leading his first sprint showed, but the rookie regrouped well, until Verstappen added to his troubles.

During pit stops, Verstappen was released into Antonelli’s path, resulting in contact that damaged the Mercedes’ floor. Antonelli still managed a top-10 finish (no points in a Sprint race), but the incident hampered what could have been a statement race.

Verstappen’s Spiral: Errors, Contact, and Penalties

Max Verstappen’s sprint was a case study in unraveling under pressure. He locked up on the formation lap (just barely avoiding a penalty for being out of position), collided with Antonelli in the pit lane, and received a 10-second penalty. Post-race, he admitted relief that no one was hurt in the pit lane, but the damage was already done.

Red Bull’s decision-making came under heavy fire. From poor timing to risky calls, their race execution showed a total lack of clarity. Verstappen ultimately finished 17th, his worst sprint result in over two seasons.

The pit lane clash in particular drew intense scrutiny. Not only did Verstappen’s car make contact with Antonelli’s, but it was part of a broader trend of Red Bull’s struggles in 2025. Their past dominance has made way for mistakes, and we’re starting to see where those edges fray.

Four Investigations Underscore Chaos

By the end of the sprint, four separate incidents were under FIA investigation:

1. Leclerc’s recon crash and attempted return to pits
2. Bearman’s unsafe release into Hulkenberg
3. Albon’s safety care infringement
4. Lawson’s collison with Alonso

While Verstappen was penalized, fans and pundits alike noted the inconsistency in how the FIA applied rules, especially with Oscar Piastri’s wide moment at Turn 14, where he appeared to keep position without investigation.

The growing sense is that sprint races, by condensing high-stakes decision-making into just 19 laps, are stretching the FIA’s ability to officiate fairly and transparently.

Provisional Sprint Results: Miami 2025

Results remain provisional pending final steward rulings.

Looking Ahead

With Verstappen, Antonelli, and Alonso wounded, and McLaren surging, the Grand Prix is shaping up to be a high-stakes showdown. Miami delivered chaos, but it may have just opened the door for a far more dramatic Sunday.