This first Miami Grand Prix was thrilling. From the 9th lap, Max Verstappen (Red Bull), after taking over Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) at the first corner, took the lead over poleman Charles Leclerc (Ferrari). The Red Bull driver escaped but his gap was reduced to nothing following the Safety Car’s climb onto the track caused by the collision between Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri) and Lando Norris (McLaren).
In the final laps of the race, Verstappen and Leclerc engaged in a fantastic chase. Despite several attacks from the Ferrari driver, Verstappen regained the advantage to be the first winner in Florida. The Dutchman signed the full card since he also won the point for the fastest lap in the race. Carlos Sainz saves the third step of the podium for Ferrari after valiantly resisting Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) who fails at the foot of the podium.
Skilfully taking advantage of the neutralization to put on fresh tires at the right time, George Russell, who was nevertheless in the soft underbelly of the peloton at the start of the event, snatched fifth place after overtaking his team-mate Lewis Hamilton with authority. The seven-time world champion finished sixth ahead of Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) who could have finished fifth had he not shot too wide.
Fernando Alonso is eighth (Alpine) ahead of his team-mate Esteban Ocon, who started at the back of the grid, and Alex Albon who picks up another opportune point for Williams.