Breaking: F1 2025 Miami Grand Prix starting grid with penalties appl…..read more
F1 2025 Miami Grand Prix starting grid with penalties appl…..read more
The starting grid for the 2025 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix has been officially set, following a late update issued by the FIA that took into account penalties and qualifying results. This event marks the sixth race of what has already been an intense and dramatic F1 season.
Leading the grid is Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen, who managed to recover from a tough sprint race to secure pole position during qualifying. The reigning world champion once again demonstrated his ability to bounce back under pressure, solidifying his third pole of the 2025 season. Verstappen’s qualifying performance was particularly significant after a challenging sprint session in which he was hit with a 10-second time penalty due to an unsafe release from the pit lane that endangered Kimi Antonelli.
Despite the penalty impacting his sprint race result, Verstappen kept his composure and refocused for the main qualifying event. He delivered an outstanding lap to edge out the McLaren duo, who had dominated the earlier sprint session. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri had made headlines earlier by finishing first and second, respectively, in the sprint race, signaling McLaren’s growing threat to Red Bull’s dominance this season.
However, when it came to the more critical qualifying session for Sunday’s main Grand Prix, Verstappen showcased why he remains a formidable presence in Formula 1. He narrowly beat Lando Norris to clinch the top spot on the starting grid. As a result, Norris will start alongside Verstappen on the front row in second place, maintaining the pressure on the Dutch driver going into the race.
Oscar Piastri, who has shown great consistency this season, will start from third, securing McLaren’s presence near the front. The team’s recent upgrades appear to be paying dividends, as both drivers continue to challenge for top positions on a regular basis. Piastri’s qualifying pace continues to improve, suggesting that a first career win might not be far off if the team can execute well on race day.
Behind the top three, Ferrari and Mercedes are also firmly in the mix. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will both be looking to capitalize on any opportunities to climb the order, while Mercedes continues to assess the development progress of its new package. Youngster Kimi Antonelli, who was involved in the pit lane incident with Verstappen during the sprint, is steadily finding his rhythm in his debut F1 season and will be aiming to make a mark in Sunday’s race.
The FIA’s announcement confirmed no additional grid penalties beyond those already known, so the lineup remains largely as it stood after Saturday’s qualifying. This consistency provides a clearer picture for strategy teams, allowing them to focus on tire management and potential weather variables for Sunday.
As the teams prepare for lights out in Miami, all eyes will be on the front row battle between Verstappen and Norris. With the McLaren showing increasing pace and Verstappen determined to extend his championship lead, fans can expect a thrilling contest around the streets of Miami.
