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McLaren Goes 1–2 in Miami Sprint, Norris Wins as Leclerc Takes Third and Antonelli Is Penalized

The result hints at a reordered field under fresh energy rules that target risky speed drops and cleaner racing.

Overview

  • In Saturday's sprint race at the Miami Grand Prix, Lando Norris led a McLaren 1–2 ahead of Oscar Piastri, with Charles Leclerc third and Kimi Antonelli classified sixth after a five‑second track‑limits penalty.
  • Friday's extended 90‑minute practice topped the times with Leclerc, while Mercedes hit snags as Antonelli's car suffered a late-session anomaly that halted his soft‑tyre run.
  • The FIA's mid‑break tweaks cut per‑lap battery recharge from 8MJ to 7MJ and cap electric boost in parts of the lap, aiming to curb 'super clipping', the sudden speed drop when cars harvest energy on straights.
  • Upgrades appear to have shifted the pecking order as McLaren found clear pace, Ferrari showed gains, and early leader Mercedes looked more vulnerable with Antonelli's poor start and penalty in the sprint.
  • F1 returned after a month‑long pause caused by the cancelled Bahrain and Saudi rounds that cost the series about $200 million, with qualifying later Saturday and the main Grand Prix set for Sunday.