In this instance, the Dutch driver’s victory was not a straightforward one, as he finished just over three seconds ahead of Leclerc in second place at the end of the race. The start of the race was filled with drama, as Hamilton, Alonso, Stroll, and Norris were involved in a collision, resulting in Norris and Stroll retiring due to damage. Despite a strong start from Leclerc, Verstappen was able to hold him off and secure the lead. Perez briefly lost third place to Ricciardo but quickly reclaimed it to secure a podium finish. The race report is currently in progress.
The weather conditions for the race remained clear, with track temperatures reaching 45-46 degrees Celsius and an ambient temperature of 28 degrees Celsius. Prior to the start of the Sprint, there was already action in the pitlane as Leclerc and Ocon had a minor incident, with Ocon tapping the rear right wheel of the Ferrari. While Leclerc’s car was undamaged, Ocon required a new front wing and received a ten-second time penalty, not the ideal start for him. Leclerc expressed his frustration towards Ocon, stating that he believed Ocon was not paying attention and even the mechanics were signaling for him to stop.
Before the race even began, there were further complications for some drivers. Alex Albon was forced to start from the pitlane due to parc ferme violations by Williams on his car. Additionally, Valtteri Bottas received a penalty for impeding Piastri during qualifying, resulting in him starting from the back of the grid. However, these penalties are unlikely to have a significant impact on the outcome of the Sprint.
During the first lap of the race, Verstappen had to defend aggressively against Leclerc, who had a strong start but ultimately settled for second place. Ricciardo was able to overtake Perez for third position. However, the race was quickly interrupted by a Yellow flag, which was later upgraded to a Safety Car. This was due to Norris being stranded on the side of the track after the collision involving Hamilton, Alonso, and Stroll. Hamilton attempted to make a move, but his locked-up tires caused him to hit Alonso, who then collided with Stroll. Norris, who was attempting to overtake on the outside, spun as a result and was forced to retire. Stroll also retired from the race, while Alonso reported a puncture to his team but no further action was taken by the stewards.
The Sprint race has just begun, and already there has been plenty of excitement and incidents. Verstappen is leading the pack, closely followed by Leclerc, with Ricciardo in third place. The race is far from over, and anything can happen as the drivers navigate the challenging circuit. Stay tuned for more updates and action from the Miami Grand Prix.
Racing resumed at the end of the third lap out of nineteen, and Verstappen slowed down the pack, carefully choosing the moment to accelerate.
In the fourth lap out of nineteen, Verstappen was in the lead, followed by Leclerc and Ricciardo. Perez was in fourth place, with Sainz in fifth. Piastri, Hulkenberg, and Magnussen followed, while Hamilton was in ninth place and not earning any points at the moment. Alonso dropped to 18th place.
By the fifth lap out of nineteen, Verstappen had created a comfortable lead and was out of Leclerc’s reach for the DRS (Drag Reduction System). Perez managed to regain his third place from Ricciardo at Turn 11 and began chasing Leclerc, who was over two seconds ahead.
Switching positions for the final spot on the podium occurred in the fifth lap out of nineteen. Perez successfully overtook Ricciardo’s RB car to secure third place.
In the sixth lap out of nineteen, Ricciardo faced pressure from Sainz, who was right behind him. Piastri was also within DRS range of Sainz. Meanwhile, the Haas team drivers were engaged in their own battle further back.
Ricciardo managed to hold onto fourth place in the seventh lap out of nineteen, with Perez still within DRS range. This allowed Ricciardo to defend his position from Sainz and Piastri.
In the eighth lap out of nineteen, the fight for fourth place continued with Ricciardo successfully maintaining his position. Hamilton expressed dissatisfaction with his speed on the straights as he attempted to overtake Magnussen, who was not yielding to the seven-time F1 Champion.
No significant changes occurred in the ninth lap out of nineteen. Ricciardo continued to hold onto fourth place, while Hamilton struggled to pass Magnussen. Hamilton reported to his team that Magnussen had cut the chicane.
Verstappen received a request for a balance and tire degradation upgrade in the eleventh lap out of nineteen. He responded, stating that he had “terrible” rear grip, similar to his qualifying session. Verstappen maintained a lead of over two seconds ahead of Leclerc.
Further back in the eleventh lap out of nineteen, Ricciardo maintained his position, while Hamilton was still unable to find a way around Magnussen. Magnussen received a ten-second penalty for cutting the chicane.
In the twelfth lap out of nineteen, Ricciardo fell out of DRS range from Perez but managed to keep Sainz behind him. Leclerc trailed Verstappen by 1.8 seconds, and Verstappen struggled to extend his lead.
Hamilton made another attempt to pass Magnussen in the thirteenth lap out of nineteen, but it was unsuccessful. Tsunoda joined the battle for tenth place.
In the fourteenth lap out of nineteen, Sainz continued to attack Ricciardo’s VCARB car, while Hamilton made another attempt to overtake Magnussen. However, Magnussen held his ground and went off track at Turn 11. Tsunoda took advantage of the situation and overtook Hamilton, who reported that he had been forced off track.
Magnussen’s off-track incident in the fifteenth lap out of nineteen caused a delay for Hamilton, allowing Tsunoda to seize the opportunity and eventually secure eighth place.
In the 15th lap out of 19, Magnussen falls to tenth place and Tsunoda moves up to eighth. However, Hamilton is in pursuit of Tsunoda for that final point.
During the 16th lap out of 19, Sainz continues to attack Ricciardo, while further down the field, Russell, who had fallen back, is defending his position from Albon in 14th place. Meanwhile, Magnussen receives another ten-second penalty.
On lap 16 out of 19, K-Mag incurs an additional 10-second time penalty.
Magnussen’s strategic driving allows his teammate Hulkenberg to create some distance in seventh place, with over six seconds between them and Tsunoda in eighth.
In the 17th lap out of 19, Ricciardo is still bravely defending his position against Sainz, but it is evident that this has taken a toll on his tires. Can he hold on for two more laps?
On lap 18 out of 19, there are no changes in the positions that score points. Ricciardo remains ahead of Sainz, and Hamilton has yet to overtake Tsunoda.
On the final lap, lap 19 out of 19, Ricciardo maintains fourth place, while Verstappen secures the victory, followed by Leclerc in second and Perez in third.
Sainz finishes in fifth place, ahead of Piastri in sixth, with Hulkenberg in seventh and Tsunoda in eighth.
Hamilton receives a drive-through penalty for exceeding the speed limit in the pitlane.