F1 Miami Grand Prix 2026 sprint race results: Norris leads McLaren 1-2

Lando Norris led Oscar Piastri to a McLaren 1-2 in the Miami Grand Prix sprint, the team's first time at the front of a race in 2026. Norris controlled all 19 laps after taking sprint pole on Friday, ending Mercedes' run of topping every competitive session this season.

Piastri held off Charles Leclerc for second, finishing 3.7 seconds behind his teammate. Leclerc, whose Ferrari carried eleven new parts this weekend, was the only driver who stayed within touching distance of the McLarens.

Behind the top three, the race was defined by scraps and penalties.

F1 Miami Grand Prix 2026 sprint race results

Antonelli's track limits penalty cost him two places

Kimi Antonelli had a poor start from second on the grid, dropping to fourth behind Piastri and Leclerc. He spent most of the race battling George Russell for position, and crossed the line fourth after getting the better of his teammate on track.

The stewards saw it differently. Antonelli exceeded track limits repeatedly during the fight and was given a five-second penalty after the chequered flag, which dropped him from fourth to sixth behind Russell and Verstappen. His championship lead over Russell is now seven points.

Verstappen and Hamilton battled for sixth

Further back, Verstappen and Hamilton found each other again. The fight was for sixth rather than the lead, but the script was familiar. Verstappen forced his way past Hamilton off the track and had to give the position back. He eventually made the move stick and pulled away.

Hamilton finished seventh, over 21 seconds behind Norris, with the second Ferrari looking less competitive than Leclerc's car throughout.

Why Hulkenberg and Lindblad did not start the sprint

Nico Hulkenberg's Audi caught fire on the reconnaissance lap to the grid. Smoke and then flames came from the rear of the car, and he pulled over at Turn 17. Marshals put the fire out. Audi racing director Allan McNish told Sky Sports that the team had spotted a problem in the garage beforehand but thought it had been resolved.

This is the third time in four race weekends that Hulkenberg has had a car failure. He did not start the Australian Grand Prix due to a technical issue, and retired from the Chinese sprint with a fire.

Arvid Lindblad was already set for a pit lane start after Racing Bulls failed to cover his car after sprint qualifying on Friday, breaching parc fermé rules. He then could not start at all after a separate technical problem in the pit lane. According to RacingNews365, the issue arose as the team prepared the car for the start.

What the Miami sprint result means for the championship

Sprint points are smaller than race points, but the result still moves the standings. Norris picked up eight points and is now on 33, closing the gap to Antonelli who leads on 74. Russell is second on 67. Leclerc sits third on 55 after his podium.

McLaren moved up to 58 points in the constructors' championship. Mercedes still leads on 141, but the gap to Ferrari (96) and McLaren is narrowing heading into qualifying and Sunday's grand prix.