Lando Norris Dominates Miami Sprint to Break Mercedes Winning Streak

Lando Norris has secured his and McLaren’s first victory of the season by dominating the Miami Grand Prix Sprint. The reigning World Champion led from lights out to the chequered flag to break Mercedes’ early-season stranglehold proving the papaya team’s extensive upgrades have propelled them back to the front of the grid.

A disastrous start for Audi and Antonelli

Drama unfolded before the lights even went out as Nico Hulkenberg was forced to leap from his Audi after it erupted in flames on the way to the grid resulting in a non-start. Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad also failed to take the start due to a technical issue in the pit lane.

Hulkenberg comes to a stop! ✋

Here's the moment Nico's Miami Sprint came to a premature end ahead of lights out ⬇️#F1Sprint #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/Yvz62DrmCO

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 2, 2026

When the 19-lap dash did get underway Norris executed a perfect getaway from pole position on his medium tyres. In contrast Championship leader Kimi Antonelli suffered a dreadful launch from second place. The Mercedes teenager bogged down off the line allowing Oscar Piastri to sweep into second and forcing Antonelli into an immediate defensive battle against Charles Leclerc and his own team mate George Russell.

Norris retains the race lead, but Piastri moves up into P2 with Leclerc not far behind! 🤯⚔️

Here's how the start of the Sprint unfolded! 👇#F1Sprint #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/owpsuu1KDc

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 2, 2026

Norris controls the pace

With clear air ahead Norris quickly built a comfortable advantage over Piastri. The Australian driver was left to manage his tyres on the scorching 53-degree track while fending off sustained pressure from Leclerc’s heavily upgraded Ferrari.

Leclerc closed to within DRS range in the closing stages but a lack of straight-line speed meant he ultimately had to back out to cool his overheating tyres. This allowed McLaren to comfortably secure a 1-2 finish at the front of the pack with Norris crossing the line over three seconds clear.

Behind the leading trio Antonelli recovered his composure to engage in a thrilling scrap with Russell. The Mercedes duo briefly swapped positions before Antonelli cleverly bided his time and reclaimed fourth place into Turn 11. However the Italian’s aggressive driving saw him accumulate track limit violations leaving him under post-race investigation and at risk of a five-second time penalty.

Verstappen battles Hamilton as Alpine scores

Further down the order Max Verstappen secured sixth place for Red Bull after a tense battle with Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen initially overtook his former rival off the track and was instructed to hand the position back. The Dutchman recharged his battery and successfully executed a clean pass into Turn 17 on the following lap despite earlier complaints about his rear axle under braking.

TWO BATTLES AT ONCE! 😮‍💨

Russell 🆚 Antonelli
Verstappen 🆚 Hamilton#F1Sprint #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/gDk8XXpcAO

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 2, 2026

Pierre Gasly drove a measured race to claim the final point for Alpine in eighth holding off Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar who executed a brilliant overtake on Franco Colapinto to take ninth in the closing laps.

Miami Sprint Leaderboard

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