In the thrilling Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League Formula 1 event in 2024, McLaren’s challenge to Red Bull provided the much-needed on-track excitement. The race was filled with safety cars, strategic diversions, and controversial incidents, making it even more intriguing. While Lando Norris and McLaren’s upgrade package will undoubtedly receive attention, we have also analyzed the rest of the grid to identify the winners and losers of the grand prix.
McLaren’s victory in this race, their second in 12 years, was a cause for celebration. Unlike their previous win three years ago, this victory was not a result of luck. Thanks to their new upgrade package, McLaren has emerged as Red Bull’s closest competitor, even surpassing Ferrari, which seemed unbeatable in recent races. This raises the question of whether McLaren, Norris, and Piastri can challenge Verstappen more frequently. Red Bull should be concerned about McLaren’s strong driver lineup, especially in the constructors’ championship, if McLaren can maintain this level of performance throughout the year.
McLaren has once again demonstrated its ability to bring significant upgrade packages and make them work, leaving Mercedes at a disadvantage. This is a blow to Mercedes, who are likely to be outperformed by their own customer if McLaren’s form continues. This victory is particularly significant for McLaren as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of Ayrton Senna’s passing and the loss of Gil de Ferran earlier this year. It is a fitting tribute to these legends of the sport.
For Red Bull, the Miami Grand Prix was a rollercoaster weekend that quickly turned sour. Max Verstappen struggled to maintain his usual pace, and the race saw Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc setting the fastest laps early on. The late safety car that benefited Lando Norris was the final blow for Red Bull, who had to witness McLaren’s impressive comeback from poor form last year to a race win. Sergio Perez also struggled for pace and was fortunate not to lose out to Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes. Red Bull has work to do for the upcoming races if they want to maintain their competitiveness.
Lando Norris’s first F1 win was a moment of triumph, silencing his critics. He expressed his satisfaction by acknowledging the comments of those who doubted him on Instagram. Norris’s victory not only puts an end to the three years of anticipation for his first win but also demonstrates his commitment to McLaren. With the success of their new upgrade, Norris is likely to have more opportunities for victory in the future.
Daniel Ricciardo’s return to form with a fourth-place finish in the sprint was short-lived. Despite his impressive performance in qualifying and the early stages of the race, Ricciardo found himself stuck in the midfield and unable to escape. While he scored points in the sprint, when it came to the main race, it was his teammate Yuki Tsunoda who outperformed him. Ricciardo needs to step up his game before being overshadowed by Tsunoda in future races.
Esteban Ocon continues to be the biggest winner for Alpine, despite the team’s struggles. He secured a point in the Miami Grand Prix, surpassing his teammate Pierre Gasly. Ocon’s strong start to the season and Alpine’s marginal progress since Bahrain are noteworthy. As the 2025 silly season approaches, Ocon’s performance will not go unnoticed.
Oscar Piastri’s race in Miami was filled with missed opportunities. Despite a strong start and an impressive fight for fourth place with Carlos Sainz, Piastri’s chances were dashed due to clashes with Sainz and damage to his front wing. Without these setbacks, Piastri could have achieved a better result.
Yuki Tsunoda once again proved himself as the standout driver in the midfield. Despite a disappointing sprint qualifying, Tsunoda’s patience and strategy paid off, allowing him to finish seventh in the race. He successfully fended off challenges from the Mercedes drivers and secured valuable points for his team. Tsunoda’s consistent performances have elevated him to the top 10 in the championship, surpassing expectations for an RB driver.
Kevin Magnussen’s actions in the sprint and the penalties he received overshadowed Lance Stroll’s performance. Stroll’s race was not exceptional, but considering the safety car period that allowed other midfielders to make pitstops, he is given some leniency. However, Stroll’s lackluster performance compared to his teammate Fernando Alonso and his drop in the drivers’ championship standings raise concerns about his performance.
The Miami Grand Prix provided a thrilling and action-packed race from start to finish. The battles on the track were unpredictable and exciting, with overtakes happening throughout the race. This race showcased the potential of the Miami circuit to deliver great racing and establish itself as a significant event in Formula 1. It was a welcome change from the off-track controversies that have dominated the headlines in 2024.