F1 NEWS: FIA Hands Out Post-Race Penalties Following Miami Grand Prix Revi…read more
F1 NEWS: FIA Hands Out Post-Race Penalties Following Miami Grand Prix Revi…read more
The FIA has concluded its comprehensive post-race investigation into several incidents from the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, issuing a series of decisions that have reshaped the final race classification and sparked discussions throughout the paddock.
Carlos Sainz Escapes Penalty After Last-Lap Clash
Williams driver Carlos Sainz was at the center of controversy following a tense final-lap battle with Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton. The two former teammates made contact while fighting for position, prompting a stewards’ inquiry. After reviewing video footage, telemetry, and team radio communications, the FIA determined that no further action was warranted regarding the incident. However, Sainz was issued an official warning for a separate earlier infraction involving track limits abuse at Turn 8, emphasizing the governing body’s focus on consistent enforcement.
Red Bull Protest Against Russell Dismissed
Tensions flared in the Red Bull garage as the team filed a formal protest against Mercedes driver George Russell. The protest alleged that Russell had failed to adequately slow down during a Virtual Safety Car (VSC) phase, potentially gaining an unfair advantage. However, after a detailed analysis of telemetry and onboard data, the FIA concluded that Russell had made a sufficient lift in throttle as required under VSC regulations. The protest was subsequently dismissed, and Russell’s third-place finish remains intact.
Gasly Penalized for Parc Fermé Breach
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly faced a more straightforward penalty after breaching parc fermé conditions prior to the start of the race. According to the FIA, a modification made to Gasly’s suspension setup was not in compliance with pre-race restrictions. As a result, Gasly was forced to start the race from the pit lane—dealing a blow to Alpine’s weekend performance.
McLaren Shines Amid the Chaos
While post-race penalties dominated headlines, McLaren enjoyed a triumphant afternoon in Miami. Oscar Piastri delivered a flawless performance to claim his second career Formula 1 victory, leading a dominant one-two finish alongside teammate Lando Norris. The team’s pace throughout the weekend was undeniable, with both drivers capitalizing on early track position and clean racing to secure maximum points.
Mercedes’ George Russell held his ground to finish third, while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who had started from pole, slipped to fourth after struggling to match McLaren’s race pace and grip levels under changing track conditions. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc completed the top five, just ahead of teammate Hamilton.
FIA Stresses Fairness and Rule Enforcement
In a statement following the release of the post-race rulings, the FIA reiterated its commitment to maintaining a fair and safe racing environment:
“The decisions made today reflect our duty to uphold the integrity of the sport and ensure that all teams operate within the established regulations. Transparency and consistency remain our priorities.”
With the championship race heating up and tensions rising among top teams, all eyes now turn to the next round as the 2025 F1 season heads to Imola. The Miami GP not only delivered thrilling on-track action but also underlined the vital role of regulatory oversight in preserving the competitive spirit of Formula 1.
