Kimi Antonelli makes it three in Miami

The F1 season's return to Miami delivered drama from lights-out to the checkered flag. Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026 was packed with incidents, strategy swings, high-stakes wheel-to-wheel action and a historic win. After a revised race start time due to weather concerns, fans were treated to an action-packed afternoon at the Hard Rock Stadium complex-a track known for its long straights and physical challenges in the Florida heat.

Final Results:

1. Kimi Antonelli- Mercedes

2. Lando Norris- McLaren

3. Oscar Piastri- McLaren

4. George Russell- Mercedes

5. Max Verstappen- Red Bull

Full results saw penalties applied post-race, including a 20-second penalty for Charles Leclerc and five seconds for Verstappen for infractions during the grand prix.

Pole-sitter Kimi Antonelli and rivals clashed immediately into turn one. Max Verstappen spun on the opening lap after contact in the scramble for the lead, dropping deep down the order early.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc briefly led before being shuffled back in the tight mid-race battles. McLaren's Lando Norris took the fight to Antonelli, controlling parts of the race and setting the fastest lap. Multiple early retirements and a safety car period added another layer of strategic complexity.

At just 19 years old, Antonelli delivered a composed drive to secure his third straight victory of the season, becoming the first driver in F1 history to convert his first three career poles into wins. His win further extended his championship lead and underscored Mercedes strong early season form.

McLaren's upgrades paid dividends: Norris finished second, with teammate Oscar Piastri completing the podium. The team scored more points over the weekend than any rival, closing the gap to Ferrari in the constructors standings and signaling a serious title challenge.

Before Sunday's main event:

Norris topped sprint qualifying and went on to win the sprint race on Saturday, with Piastri second-McLaren's second consecutive Miami sprint 1-2. Charles Leclerc had shown early pace in practice, while Mercedes entered the weekend under pressure to defend their early championship lead.

As usual, the Miami Grand Prix was as much a cultural event as a sporting one. The weekend featured a star-studded roster of celebrities, high-profile parties, and major nightlife events across the city-from beachfront concerts to exclusive dinners and pit-stop themed social gatherings.

With Miami now complete:

Kimi Antonelli sits comfortably atop the drivers standings with momentum and confidence. McLaren's form presents a clear threat as the season heads toward Europe and the Canadian Grand Prix next. Verstappen and Leclerc's mixed fortunes show that even the big names are not immune to Miami's unpredictability.

Written by: Daniel Torres

Kimi Antonelli makes it three in Miami