Formula One preview: Miami Grand Prix

Rohan Brown
May 1
4 min read

Written by Rohan Brown, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri

Formula One returns this weekend for the fifth round of the 2025 season, and the first of its three stops in the United States. And this week’s race at the Miami International Autodrome offers another thrilling spectacle to add to this year’s dramatic title battle.

A street venue readied in the parking lot of the Hard Rock Stadium, home to the Miami Dolphins NFL team, Miami proved a turning point during the 2024 season, and certainly has the potential to do so once again this season.

The circuit

At 5.412 km (3.363 mi) long, the Miami International Autodrome has many overtaking opportunities, notably turns 8 and 17. Additionally, the circuit’s two lengthy DRS will aid drivers in their quest to overtake, providing ample opportunities for fierce racing between drivers.

In previous years, a one or two-stop strategy has proven effective choice for the teams. So, choosing the right strategy will be a key factor to consider going into the race weekend.

Storylines

Norris was up and about after his maiden Grand Prix win in Miami last year | Credit: Formula One

1) Will Miami be another turning point in the F1 season again?

When Lando Norris won his controlled victory in Miami last year, it signalled a key turning point of the 2024 season, where McLaren became the leading dominant force for the rest of the season, and Red Bull’s performance gradually declined for the rest of the season. So Miami certainly could prove to be a turning point this season too, where another team could become the challenger to McLaren at the top.

2) How will the second sprint race of the season shake up the season?

The championship points offered to the top eight in the sprint could mean the difference later on in this season. As such, Saturday’s 19-lap sprint will have a long-term effect on both championships, with 2025 proving to be one of the most competitive F1 has seen in years. Therefore, this sprint could be highly competitive, and an important event too.

3) Can Lando Norris make it back-to-back victories in Miami?

Norris took a controlled victory last year, after a safety car essentially turned the tide in his favour, although the British driver came into this race with a different situation. This will be a storyline to follow this race weekend, as Norris potentially aims to make it back-to-back victories in Miami.

4) Will Oscar Piastri be able to add to his championship challenge at Miami?

While the spotlight for a potential drivers’ championship has been focused on his teammate, Piastri has proven his worth as a contender for the title. The Australian driver has shown he has the mentality of a champion, backing it up with consecutive victories in Bahrain and Jeddah. With the current drivers’ championship lead on his side and momentum heading into the Sunshine State, Piastri will be eyeing a statement win to extend his lead further.

5) Could there be another unexpected winner at Miami this year?

Norris’s victory at Miami last year was certainly more unexpected than expected, considering Red Bull had been the dominating force in F1 throughout the 2024 season up the that point, but it was an event that characterised the rest of the season. With this current season being so close between the top four teams, an unexpected victory is certainly on the cards.

Winner picks

1) Lando Norris

Both McLaren drivers will certainly land themselves in this section, however Norris stands a chance of making it two wins back-to-back in Miami. He showed last year how he was able to take advantage of a safety car to achieve a controlled victory, a defining one for the rest of the season.

2) Oscar Piastri

Currently the drivers’ championship leader, Piastri is in prime position to achieve the top step on Sunday, given he is carrying that momentum too. As mentioned earlier, the Australian certainly has a world champion’s mentality, combined with his raw skill means he will be a threat in Miami — and across the season.

3) Max Verstappen

Verstappen could be a candidate for the top step on Sunday, as the Dutch driver has managed to produce generational results out of a declining car. A well-executed race weekend could see Verstappen on top this Sunday for sure. While both McLaren drivers are almost guaranteed to fill up the podium, the Red Bull driver could certainly be a more unexpected victor this time.

Past winners

With this year’s Grand Prix being only the fourth Miami Grand Prix since its introduction to Formula One in 2022.

Max Verstappen and Red Bull dominated the races in both 2022 and 2023, winning by over three seconds each over second place. The four-time world champion and Norris share the honour of victory at the Miami International Autodrome.

Verstappen seemed destined to win a third time in a row until a safety car came out, fully turning the race on its head, and allowing rival Norris to clinch his fabled first victory in F1.

Event Notes

The Miami Grand Prix will be the second sprint race of the 2025 F1 season.

Sauber, Ferrari and Racing Bulls will be running special liveries in the Miami Grand Prix, inspired by Miami’s art scene. The former would be running a neon green livery, while Ferrari incorporated a greater shade of livery, and Racing Bulls went in with a fresh, striking pink paint scheme.