Formula 1 returns to the United States this weekend as the street circuit around the Hard Rock Stadium hosts the Miami Grand Prix for the third time – and the second of six sprint weekends in 2024.
Max Verstappen was in dominant form last time out in China, winning both the sprint race and grand prix in Shanghai, and leads the world championship despite the current unrest at Red Bull which has led to Adrian Newey’s shock departure from the team this week, with Ferrari favourites to sign the star designer.
Sergio Perez is 25 points behind his team-mate in the standings, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz next-best on the list. Lando Norris finished second in Shanghai as he continues to target a first win in F1, while Lewis Hamilton will be striving for more following his worst ever start to a season.
Miami was selected as one of six venues to host a sprint weekend by F1 this year. Verstappen has won the first two editions of the race, which first appeared on the calendar in 2022, and put his Red Bull on pole for the race on Saturday after also winning the sprint race.
Follow latest updates from the Miami Grand Prix with The Independent
F1 Miami Grand Prix: Here are the McLaren celebrations at the chequered flag!
Kieran Jackson5 May 2024 23:26
Time for the podium!
What a moment for Lando Norris – the 21st Brit to win an F1 race!
For the first time, God Save the King plays out at an F1 race!
The first British national anthem on the podium since Geoge Russell’s victory in November 2022.
Kieran Jackson5 May 2024 23:17
Zak Brown:
“What a drive. Car was great. Got to thank everyone back at McLaren and here.
“I don’t mind Miami, it’s my home country!”
Kieran Jackson5 May 2024 23:08
Charles Leclerc:
“It was very tricky. I had wheelspin at the start, thought I’d crash with Checo. But we were missing a bit of pace.
“Timing of the safety car wasn’t great for us. P3 was the best we could do.
“I’m really happy for Lando, he deserves it. He arrived very close to it but he did an incredible job. They were very, very strong. He fully deserves it – now it’s up to us to bring the upgrades and catch up.”
Kieran Jackson5 May 2024 23:03
Max Verstappen:
“You win, you lose! We’re all used to that. Today was tricky, it didn’t feel fantastic. Switched onto the hards, they had more pace, Lando was flying.
“If a bad day is P2 I take it right. I’m very happy for Lando, it’s been a long time coming. He definitely deserves it today.
“McLaren came with an upgrade, it worked right?! It wasn’t our strongest weekend.”
Kieran Jackson5 May 2024 22:58
Lando Norris:
“About time huh! F***, sorry! It’s been a long time coming, I’m so happy for my team – I’ve managed to deliver for them. Over the moon!
“The whole weekend has been good. I knew on Friday we had the pace. Today we managed to put it together, perfect strategy and it all paid off. I have to give a shout out to my Mum and Dad as well.
“I’m proud. A lot of people doubted me along the way, I’ve made a lot of mistakes in the last five years. I stuck with McLaren because I believe in them.”
Kieran Jackson5 May 2024 22:49
Lando Norris dives into his mechanics!
Norris dives into the crowd and surfs above the McLaren mechanics!
Incredible scenes in Miami!
Every driver comes to congratulate him! The most popular winner ever?
Kieran Jackson5 May 2024 22:46
Lando Norris:
“Woahhhhhhh! Woahhhhh! I love you all, I love you all – thank you very much!
“I guess that’s how it’s done. Finally! Ah, so happy! I knew it when we came in today – I said today was a day full of opportunities. We did it!”
“Thanks Mum, thanks Dad! This one’s for my Grandma, thank you very much!”
Kieran Jackson5 May 2024 22:37