Norris Leads McLaren to Miami Sprint Race Victory

Lando Norris gave McLaren their first win of the season after a strong performance in the Miami Grand Prix sprint race.

The British driver started from pole position and stayed in control throughout the race. He kept the lead at the first corner and comfortably finished ahead of team-mate Oscar Piastri to complete a McLaren one-two finish.

Charles Leclerc finished third for Ferrari after putting pressure on Piastri in the closing laps, but the Australian managed to hold him off.

After the race, Norris praised the team for improving the car.

“We did a good job today and the upgrades really helped us this weekend,” Norris said.

The win was an important result for McLaren after a difficult start to the season.

Piastri stayed close to Norris in the early part of the race before dropping back as the race continued. Leclerc later closed the gap, but Piastri regained control in the final laps.

Young Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli crossed the line in fourth after battling team-mate George Russell. However, Antonelli received a five-second penalty for exceeding track limits too many times.

The penalty pushed him down behind Russell and Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing.

Antonelli admitted he made mistakes during the race.

“I didn’t drive very well and made too many errors,” the 19-year-old said.

Russell also admitted Mercedes still have work to do, saying rival teams have made strong improvements.

Further down the field, Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were involved in a tense fight during the race. The pair touched wheels on the opening lap before Hamilton briefly regained the place.

Verstappen later overtook Hamilton again after several close battles between the two former title rivals.

Pierre Gasly claimed the final point in eighth place for Alpine F1 Team.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Bortoleto was disqualified after officials found his car exceeded the permitted engine intake air pressure limit.