Miami, Florida – April 28, 2025 – The Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix turned into a dream race for McLaren, as Oscar Piastri claimed his first ever Grand Prix victory, leading a stunning McLaren 1-2 finish with teammate Lando Norris close behind. This victory marks a major milestone for the young Australian driver and highlights McLaren’s return to serious championship contention.
A Historic Moment for Oscar Piastri
The 23-year-old Piastri, racing in only his second full season with McLaren, drove a flawless race from the start. He began the race from P3 on the grid but quickly made his move in the opening laps, overtaking pole-sitter Charles Leclerc and defending champion Max Verstappen, who had a tough day battling with tire degradation and balance issues.
Piastri maintained calm under pressure and showed incredible race craft throughout the 57 laps. This victory not only gave McLaren its first win of the season but also made Piastri the first Australian to win a Grand Prix since Daniel Ricciardo in 2021.
McLaren’s Double Delight: Norris Secures Second
Lando Norris, who started from the fourth row, showed outstanding pace and tire management, climbing through the field and supporting McLaren’s team strategy to perfection. The British driver held off strong challenges from Mercedes’ George Russell and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz to secure the second spot on the podium.
It is the first 1-2 finish for McLaren since the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix, and a signal to the rest of the paddock that McLaren’s development upgrades are working.
“It’s a special day for us,” Piastri said. “I want to thank the whole team. We’ve worked really hard, and to get this result in Miami is just amazing.”
Verstappen and Red Bull Struggle
It was a rare off-day for Max Verstappen, who finished fifth after struggling with the setup of his Red Bull RB20. The reigning world champion never looked comfortable and was heard on team radio complaining about grip issues early in the race. Teammate Sergio Perez finished just behind in sixth.
Despite the below-par performance, Verstappen still leads the drivers’ standings but with a shrinking margin, thanks to strong performances from the McLaren pair.
Ferrari and Mercedes Show Consistency
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who secured pole position during Saturday’s qualifying, couldn’t convert it into a win. Leclerc lost the lead early to Piastri and eventually settled for fourth place after a late duel with Russell.
Mercedes had a mixed race. George Russell managed a commendable third place, his first podium of the season, while Lewis Hamilton had to settle for P8 after a messy pit stop and a late lock-up that cost him two positions.
Top 10 Miami Grand Prix Results:
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 1:32:18.452
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – +3.192
- George Russell (Mercedes) – +10.501
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +14.087
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – +17.344
- Sergio Perez (Red Bull) – +18.998
- Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) – +20.301
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – +22.457
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – +25.813
- Yuki Tsunoda (RB Honda) – +27.002
Race Highlights and Key Moments
- Lap 7: Oscar Piastri overtakes Max Verstappen for the lead.
- Lap 15: Lando Norris jumps three positions after a brilliant undercut during the pit stops.
- Lap 23: George Russell passes Carlos Sainz for P4.
- Lap 38: Leclerc attempts an overtake on Piastri but runs wide.
- Lap 49: Hamilton locks up at Turn 11 and loses two positions.
- Lap 57: Piastri crosses the finish line with Norris right behind, completing a historic 1-2.
What This Means for the Championship
After this race, the championship standings are more exciting than ever. While Verstappen still leads the pack, both Piastri and Norris have closed the gap, and McLaren now looks like a serious title contender not just for the Drivers’ Championship but also for the Constructors’ title.
The Miami Grand Prix also showed the vulnerabilities in Red Bull’s seemingly unbeatable form, and with more upgrades coming for several teams, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years.
F1 Fans React to McLaren’s Surprise Victory
Social media was buzzing as F1 fans celebrated McLaren’s dramatic win. Many praised Piastri’s calm demeanor and precise driving, while others expressed excitement over the growing competition at the front of the grid.
“Piastri is the real deal! What a drive,” one fan tweeted.
“McLaren is back, baby!” wrote another.
Even former champions like Jenson Button and Nico Rosberg weighed in with praise for the young Australian and McLaren’s strategy.
What’s Next on the F1 Calendar?
Next up is the Formula 1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola on May 19, where teams will again face the challenge of a historic and technical track. All eyes will be on whether McLaren can repeat their Miami performance or if Red Bull and Ferrari will strike back.
Learn more about the next race at Imola
Also visit
- Official Formula 1 Website – Miami GP Results
- Oscar Piastri Driver Profile and Stats
- McLaren F1 Official Team News
- Red Bull Racing – Team Updates
- F1 2025 Schedule & Upcoming Races
Final Thoughts
Oscar Piastri’s Miami Grand Prix victory is not just a personal milestone, but a clear sign that the grid is more competitive than ever. McLaren’s 1-2 finish sends a strong message to Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes: the battle for the 2025 championship is wide open.
Stay tuned for more updates and post-race analysis as the Formula 1 season continues to heat up.
Also read – F1 Star Oscar Piastri Hits Justin Jefferson’s Griddy After Win
