15 Jaw-Dropping Moments from the 2025 Miami Grand Prix You Need to See to Believe

Saajan JogiaMay 9, 2025

12 minutes read

The 2025 Miami Grand Prix proved to be an electrifying event, filled with remarkable performances, strategic maneuvers, and dramatic weather conditions. From McLaren’s standout dominance to the fierce competition between top drivers, this Miami GP showcased the unpredictability and excitement that Formula 1 fans crave. In this article, we delve into the highlights and pivotal moments that made the Miami GP a race to remember.

Table of Contents

15. Oscar Piastri Claims Third Consecutive Grand Prix Win

Oscar Piastri - $6 million — Nov 20, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; McLaren Team driver Oscar Piastri (81) during media availalbilities at Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Oscar Piastri dominated the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, leading a McLaren 1-2 finish ahead of teammate Lando Norris. This victory marked Piastri’s third consecutive win and fourth of the season, extending his championship lead to 16 points. After battling with Verstappen in the early laps, the Australian cruised to victory with a comfortable 4.63-second margin.

14. McLaren Dominates with One-Two Finish

MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 04: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 and Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes battle for track position on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 04, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202505050364 // Usage for editorial use only //

McLaren stamped its authority in Miami with a commanding one-two, as Oscar Piastri led Lando Norris home to victory. Piastri’s fourth win of the season saw McLaren’s pace shine, controlling the race after both drivers overtook Verstappen and built a sizeable gap to the field.

13. Verstappen’s Pole Curse in Miami Continues

MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 04: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 leads Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy driving the (12) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W16 George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W16 and the rest of the field at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 04, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202505043232 // Usage for editorial use only //

Max Verstappen once again showcased his qualifying prowess by grabbing pole at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, marking his third pole of the season. However, despite a blistering lap and overcoming a wobble on Turn 1, Verstappen couldn’t convert pole to victory, leaving his Miami “pole curse” intact.

12. Williams Surges to a New Season High

Williams stunned the paddock at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix as Alex Albon delivered a remarkable fifth-place finish, beating both Ferraris, a Mercedes, and even a Red Bull. This strong result highlights the FW47’s progress and positions Williams as the team to chase in the midfield, nearly doubling Haas’ points tally so far.

11. Mercedes Steady with Russell on Podium

George Russell - $18 million — Nov 20, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mercedes AMG Petronas driver George Russell (63) during media availabilities at Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

George Russell delivered a solid performance for Mercedes, finishing third and securing a much-needed podium in Miami. While unable to challenge the dominant McLarens at the front, Russell’s consistency kept Mercedes in the hunt for valuable points, demonstrating their steady, if not spectacular, 2025 campaign so far.

10. Ferrari Faces Internal Tensions and Setbacks

Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton — Lewis Hamilton at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Ferrari Press Image

Ferrari experienced a disastrous Miami GP, struggling with both pace and race management. Lewis Hamilton argued with his team over strategy, finishing behind teammate Charles Leclerc. The team won’t bring major updates until they solve their tire degradation issues, which have limited them to just one podium in six races this season.

9. Chaotic Weather Disrupts Sprint Race

MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 03: Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes leads Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 on track during the Sprint ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 03, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202505030234 // Usage for editorial use only //

Heavy rain from the Atlantic disrupted Miami’s Sprint race, causing a 28-minute delay and forcing a red flag before it even began. Charles Leclerc crashed on his way to the grid, while Oscar Piastri called these “genuinely the worst conditions” he’d ever raced in. The sprint was eventually shortened, with Lando Norris declared the winner after 18 laps.

8. Lando Norris Wins Eventful Miami Sprint

MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 03: Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing Second placed qualifier Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren and Third placed qualifier Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 03, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202505030320 // Usage for editorial use only //

Lando Norris claimed victory in a chaotic Miami sprint race ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri, securing a McLaren 1-2 finish. Norris benefited from perfect timing during a safety car period following Fernando Alonso’s crash, allowing him to change from intermediate to slick tires without losing his lead. Lewis Hamilton rounded out the podium in third place for Ferrari.

7. Antonelli Impresses with Pole in Sprint

Source: Andrea Kimi Antonelli on Instagram (@kimi.antonelli)

Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli made headlines by capturing pole position for the Miami Grand Prix Sprint race, underlining his rapid progress in Formula 1. Although Antonelli lost the lead at Turn 1 to Piastri and eventually slipped to fourth, his qualifying performance showcased immense promise and composure in challenging wet conditions.

6. Standout Performance from Alex Albon

Alex Albon delivered a stellar P5 finish for Williams at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, continuing his impressive season form. The Thai-British driver overtook Kimi Antonelli on Lap 31 to secure the position, adding 10 valuable points to his tally. Albon now sits 8th in the Drivers’ Championship with 30 points, making him the best-performing driver outside the top four teams.

5. Crucial Pit Stop Strategies Shape Race Outcome

MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 04: Isack Hadjar of France driving the (6) Visa Cash App Racing Bulls VCARB 02 leads Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Scuderia Ferrari SF-25 and Gabriel Bortoleto of Brazil driving the (5) Kick Sauber C45 Ferrari on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 04, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202505043280 // Usage for editorial use only //

A pit stop at Miami costs about 20 seconds in dry conditions, making timing critical. With rain predicted for the race start, teams may extend inter-stints until slicks become viable. For dry conditions, the optimal strategy is a one-stop, starting on mediums and switching to hards between laps 19-25, or starting on hards and changing to mediums between laps 32-38. Two-stop strategies remain viable for those starting on softs.

4. Last-Lap Drama and On-Track Clashes

The Miami GP featured intense wheel-to-wheel action, most notably when Carlos Sainz made a desperate last-lap lunge on Lewis Hamilton for P8. The pair banged wheels at Turn 17, with Hamilton narrowly maintaining position. Sainz faced two post-race steward investigations that threatened his points finish, adding further drama to an already action-packed race weekend.

3. Safety Car and Penalties Shake Up Order

A late Safety Car dramatically impacted the race, allowing Lando Norris to leapfrog teammate Oscar Piastri by pitting at just the right moment. Multiple incidents caused further chaos, including a 10-second penalty for Max Verstappen after a pit lane collision, reshuffling the running order and intensifying the battle for points.

2. F1 Academy Shines with Lia Block Racing at Home

The F1 Academy Miami GP showcased American talent with Lia Block qualifying an impressive fourth for Race 2. While Doriane Pin claimed victory in the first race ahead of Alicia Palmowski and Chloe Chambers, the second race was unfortunately cancelled due to torrential rain conditions before any racing laps could be completed.

1. Miami Cements Its Place as a Modern F1 Classic

MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 03: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 03, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202505040075 // Usage for editorial use only //

The 2025 Miami Grand Prix confirmed its status as a must-watch event on the F1 calendar, with Oscar Piastri securing a thrilling victory for McLaren. The Miami International Autodrome delivered close racing, unpredictable strategies, and a packed crowd, solidifying its reputation as a modern classic F1 venue.

Conclusion:

MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 04: Dale Earnhardt Jr. with Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 04, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202505041950 // Usage for editorial use only //

As the dust settles on the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, it is clear that this year’s event has further elevated its status as a staple on the Formula 1 calendar. The race delivered unexpected twists, from Oscar Piastri’s continued dominance to the weather-induced challenges that kept teams and drivers on their toes. With thrilling races like this, Miami cements its reputation as a modern classic, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the F1 saga.