The 2025 Miami Grand Prix sprint race weekend commenced with dramatic incidents involving two prominent Formula 1 drivers: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
Leclerc’s Pre-Race Crash
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc encountered a significant setback when he crashed his car during the reconnaissance lap to the grid, prior to the start of the sprint race. Navigating the wet conditions at the Miami International Autodrome, Leclerc lost control at Turn 14, resulting in substantial damage to both the front and rear of his vehicle. This incident forced Leclerc to withdraw from the sprint, despite having secured a sixth-place qualification. The FIA has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, citing “unsafe conditions” and potential procedural violations that could lead to financial penalties for the team.
Hamilton’s Eventful Sprint Race
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari, experienced a tumultuous sprint race. Starting from 12th position, Hamilton made an aggressive move at the first corner, attempting to overtake multiple cars. This maneuver led to a chain reaction involving Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll, and Lando Norris, with Norris retiring from the race due to the collision. Although the FIA stewards reviewed the incident, they concluded that no single driver was predominantly at fault, and thus, no immediate penalties were issued.
However, Hamilton’s challenges continued when he was penalized for exceeding the pit lane speed limit by 10.7 km/h during a safety car period. The infraction resulted in a drive-through penalty, which, due to the timing, was converted into a 20-second time penalty post-race. This adjustment dropped Hamilton from an eighth-place finish to 16th, nullifying his points for the sprint.
Sprint Race Outcome
Amidst the chaos, Max Verstappen capitalized on his pole position to secure a commanding victory in the 19-lap sprint race. He was followed by Charles Leclerc’s teammate, Carlos Sainz, who managed to finish second, and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez in third. Daniel Ricciardo delivered an impressive performance, holding off challenges to claim fourth place.
The Miami Grand Prix weekend continues with the main race scheduled for Sunday, where teams and drivers will aim to rebound from the sprint’s upheavals.
