F1 2025 Miami GP winners and losers: Verdict from paddock insider… read more…

F1 2025 Miami Grand Prix: Winners and Losers – Insights from the Paddock

The 2025 Miami Grand Prix delivered a thrilling spectacle, with McLaren asserting dominance, Ferrari facing internal challenges, and several drivers making notable strides or missteps. Here’s an in-depth look at the standout performances and disappointments from the weekend.

Winners

Oscar Piastri – McLaren’s Rising Star

Oscar Piastri showcased exceptional skill, securing his third consecutive victory and extending his championship lead. Starting fourth, he overtook Max Verstappen on lap 14 and maintained a commanding lead, finishing 37 seconds ahead of third-placed George Russell .

Lando Norris – A Strong Support

Despite an early setback, Lando Norris recovered impressively to finish second, contributing to McLaren’s one-two finish. His performance underscored McLaren’s superior race pace and strategic execution .

George Russell – Consistent Contender

George Russell secured a podium finish for Mercedes, capitalizing on a virtual safety car to overtake Verstappen. His steady performance highlights Mercedes’ resilience in a competitive field .

Alexander Albon – Surprising Fifth

Alexander Albon delivered a standout performance for Williams, finishing fifth and marking one of the team’s best results in recent times .

Yuki Tsunoda – Consistency Pays Off

Yuki Tsunoda continued his strong season with a tenth-place finish, demonstrating consistent form and contributing valuable points to his team .

Losers

Lewis Hamilton – Strategic Frustrations

Lewis Hamilton’s race was marred by strategic missteps from Ferrari. Despite having a tyre advantage, delayed team orders hindered his progress, leading to an eighth-place finish and post-race frustrations .

Max Verstappen – Off the Pace

Starting from pole, Max Verstappen struggled to maintain his lead, ultimately finishing fourth. A combination of strategic disadvantages and a lack of pace compared to McLaren contributed to his drop .

Carlos Sainz – From Promise to Ninth

Carlos Sainz showed early promise but was unable to sustain his position, finishing ninth after being overtaken by both Leclerc and Hamilton .

Fernando Alonso – A Race to Forget

Fernando Alonso faced a challenging race, finishing 15th after a spin caused by contact with another car. The result reflects ongoing struggles for Aston Martin .

Williams – Mixed Fortunes

While Albon shone, teammate Logan Sargeant’s race ended prematurely due to a collision, highlighting the team’s inconsistency and areas needing improvement .

The Miami Grand Prix highlighted McLaren’s ascendancy, Ferrari’s internal challenges, and the shifting dynamics of the 2025 season. As teams regroup for the next race in Imola, the championship battle continues to intensify