Norris wins the Miami sprint race from pole with Antonelli penalised for track limits breach

Lando Norris kept his position for the full 19 laps of the Miami sprint race. Oscar Piastri followed him in second place and Charles Leclerc rounds out the top three. Kimi Antonelli was demoted to sixth after a five-second time penalty for excessive track limits breaches.

Credit: Formula One

The second Formula One sprint race of 2026 took place in Miami today, with the drivers taking to the track in the hopes of gaining some more points. It is the third time Miami has hosted a sprint weekend, with Norris picking up an extra eight points ahead of the big race.

Norris started the sprint race from pole position today, with current Drivers’ Championship leader, Antonelli, starting on the front row with him.

Alex Albon, who had initially qualified in 14th yesterday started the race from 19th after the stewards found he exceeded track limits during SQ1, subsequently disqualifying his SQ2 lap times.

On the way to the grid, the Audi of Nico Hülkenberg caught fire due to engine failure. This unfortunately meant he could not compete in the sprint race.

Arvid Lindblad was due to start the race from the pit lane too after a Racing Bulls breach of Parc Fermé rules. However, he did not feature in the race, retiring before its start.

It was then lights out in the Miami heat, Norris had a great start and stayed in the lead. Antonelli dropped places in the start, with Piastri moving up into second and Leclerc into third.

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were wheel to wheel in Lap 1, almost colliding. Verstappen dropped two places as Hamilton managed to get ahead of the former champion.

Antonelli continued to put pressure on Leclerc up ahead, but was unable to capitalise on the gaps available.

Carlos Sainz managed to move up to 14th after a poor result in SQ1 yesterday. Lawson in the RB struggled with traction and was not capable of gaining places.

On Lap 6, we heard Verstappen complain over team radio that he couldn't brake properly. He managed to continue with no major issues.

On Lap 8, Russell overtook his teammate Antonelli and moved up into fourth, but the positions reset soon after.

During this lap, Verstappen challenged Hamilton with both drivers going off track. Verstappen got past Hamilton, but had to give up the position. It wasn't long until Verastappen got past Hamilton again, this time legally without giving the place back.

Debris from Esteban Ocon's Haas was left on track with his teammate Oliver Bearman running over it on track. A safety car was expected, but the debris was no longer on the racing line.

The FIA issued black and white flag for Antonelli for a track limits breach in Lap 12. It was crucial for Antonelli to avoid going off track again to ensure he did not receive a penalty.

Norris had strong pace out front, with Leclerc closely gaining on Piastri in the fight for second place. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar in the Red Bull was struggling to get past the Alpines and was in 10th place. Franco Colapinto had an impressive showing this session as he continued to defend from Hadjar who was close behind.

With three laps to go, Leclerc started to drop further away from Piastri. Now over a second behind, Leclerc was out of range for Overtake Mode.

Hadjar, through Turn 4, managed to go round the outside of Colapinto and up into ninth. Colapinto tried his best to regain his position but was unsuccessful.

Norris confidently began the final lap four seconds ahead of his teammate. Picking up his fourth sprint win, it was another moment of success in Miami for the reigning champion.

At the last minute, Bearman continued to chase his teammate Ocon for 12th place, but was unable to get by.

At the end of the race, Antonelli was noted for a track limits breach and was demoted to sixth place after a five-second time penalty.

Looking Ahead

Qualifying for tomorrow’s Miami Grand Prix takes place later today. In the previous three rounds, Mercedes have had incredibly strong pace which translated into their race results. However with the results we have had so far this weekend, McLaren, especially Norris, look to be making their way back into the fight.

Ferrari cannot be ruled out either. Bringing 11 upgrades to their machinery this weekend, the most out of all of the teams, they look confident heading into qualifying and could possibly outpace Mercedes.

Haas seemed to have dropped in performance this weekend. With both Bearman and Ocon qualifying for the sprint outside of the top 10. The team currently sit fourth in the Constructors’ Championship so they will need a strong qualifying result ahead of tomorrow’s race to try and maintain their position.