Lando Norris claimed his first win in the defense of his world title with a stunning victory in the Miami Sprint in his much-improved McLaren one-two.
Mercedes title lead Kimi Antonelli finished fourth on the road, but was demoted to sixth immediately after the 19-lap contest due to a five-second penalty for repeated track limit violations.
Teammate George Russell, who had finished fifth just behind his team-mate after losing out in an on-track position battle, finished fourth in the final standings, cutting Antonelli’s world championship lead by seven points heading into Sunday’s full Grand Prix.
In the second McLaren, Oscar Piastri took second place ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, Russell ended up fourth, and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who won after an early battle with Lewis Hamilton, took fifth place ahead of the relegated Antonelli.
But Norris was untouchable at the front, having broken the Silver Arrows’ previously perfect 2026 Sprint/Grand Prix winning record on Friday, becoming the first non-Mercedes driver to take pole position this season.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Lando Norris holds the lead as Mercedes struggles to get off the line, with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen nearly scrapped at the start of the Miami Grand Prix.
The tone for the reigning champion’s success was set with a start where he comfortably converted pole position into the race lead. Meanwhile, Antonelli continued his undesirable record of dropping places at every race start this year as Piastri and Leclerc dominated the leading Mercedes amid a lack of grip.
Leclerc finished third behind Piastri, continuing Ferrari’s record of finishing in the same place in every grand prix and sprint so far this season, while Hamilton was slowed down by an entertaining early duel with Verstappen and was only seventh.
The long-time rivals polished their wheels in the early turns, but Hamilton got ahead of the Red Bull in the second half of the lap.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen reignited their rivalry at the Miami Sprint with a multi-wheel collision that included early contact and a controversial off-track moment.
But Verstappen seemed to have the better pace, and although his first overtake on lap eight failed when he completed the move wide off the track at Turn 11 and he had to give up places, the Dutchman moved cleanly to the front the next time and comfortably pulled away from the Ferrari from then on.
Pierre Gasly overtook teammate Franco Colapinto on the opening lap to take Alpine’s final points in the sprint in eighth place.
Norris returns to the lead, but Antonelli is frustrated, saying he “didn’t drive well”
McLaren aren’t going to get carried away with their impressive start to the Miami weekend, but a series of upgrades to the MCL40 for the first race after the forced break in April has so far put the two-time constructors’ champions back at the front of the field.
Norris, who had not finished higher than fourth in three Grands Prix and one sprint before the extra break, won the sprint by 3.8 seconds over Piastri and had been featured in the groove around the Miami International Autodrome all weekend so far.
“I’m happy to be back on the top step! It’s a good day for us,” said the world champion. His last win in both race formats was last November at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Lando Norris won the Miami Sprint, claiming the competition was fiercer than it looked and believing a strong final lap secured victory.
“It was hot and sweaty outside and I was trying to find the balance of pushing and being relaxed and not making mistakes.
“We had a good start to the weekend, but we need to start over again.”
Due to the limited number of points available in short sprints, Norris is still 42 points behind driver’s championship leader Antonelli, but this is two points closer to Antonelli than he would have been had the Mercedes driver not been dropped for a track limit violation.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Lando Norris wins the Miami Grand Prix Sprint.
Antonelli committed four off-track violations during the 19-lap race, resulting in an automatic five-second penalty.
Although Antonelli was absolved of any responsibility for having trouble again while the lights were on from the front row, it marked the end of a frustrating sprint for Antonelli.
Antonelli told Sky Sports F1: “For me, I did all the steps correctly. We need to see what happened. The grip was very low, probably lower than we expected.”
“I was really frustrated after that and couldn’t drive properly. I made a lot of mistakes and ended up on the track limit, which is something you have to avoid.
“This weekend was more difficult, but that was expected as everyone brought a big upgrade. We just have to maximize the result and now we need to focus on qualifying.”
Sky Sports F1 Miami GP Schedule
Saturday, May 2nd
6:30pm: Ted’s Sprint Notebook
8pm: Miami GP qualifying build-up*
9pm: Miami GP Qualifying*
11pm: Ted’s Qualification Notes*
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
The Miami Grand Prix is a unique experience. Check out some of our favorite moments from the past few years.
Sunday, May 3rd
5:25pm: F2 Feature Race
7pm: Miami GP Build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
9pm: Miami Grand Prix*
11pm: Miami Grand Prix reaction: Checkered flag*
12am: Ted’s Notes*
*Also held at Sky Sports Main Event
F1 is celebrating a sprint weekend in Miami as the 2026 season resumes. Watch the Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 from 9pm on Sunday. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
