Lando Norris Reclaims Podium Top Spot In Miami GP Sprint Race

 

Lando Norris lived up to his Sprint qualifying race performance on Friday, claiming the pole in the Sprint as Formula One returns to action in Miami. 

After two races were canceled in April, the F1 drivers had a long five-week break from the grid. McLaren took the time to upgrade their cars, restarting the season in Miami, and Norris made the most of it. Mercedes had won the previous three races, with two to Kimi Antonelli and one to George Russell. Miami was unsuccessful for the Mercedes duo as McLaren reclaimed the podium for the first time this season.

Norris reclaimed the top spot on the podium, dominating the grid at the Miami International Autodrome to finish in first in a one-two McLaren finish. Oscar Piastri was second, despite the challenge faced from Charles Lercerc. Piastri secured the position when the Ferrari driver went wide, exiting a corner on Lap 18. The mishap cost him time and ceded the position to the McLaren driver. 

Kimi Antonelli had an eventful race. The F1 Championship leader was penalised for track-limit infringement and dropped from P4 to P6 due to a five-second penalty. Esteban Ocon was unable to start the race due to an engine failure and was retired. George Russell did not have an impressive race, finishing in P6, but was promoted to P4 after his teammate was demoted to P6, following a penalty. 

Red Bull's Max Verstappen finished in P5. He had a battle with Lewis Hamilton on Lap 8 at Turn 11, forcing the Ferrari driver off-track. He was later instructed to give the position back to Hamilton. He retook the position from Hamilton, moving up to sixth place on Lap 9.

Miami GP Sprint Race Top 10

1. Lando Norris 

2. Oscar Piastri 

3. Charles Leclerc 

4. George Russell

5. Max Verstappen

6. Kimi Antonelli 

7. Lewis Hamilton

8. Pierre Gasly