The outcome of the Miami Grand Prix sprint race took a dramatic turn after the FIA handed out penalties to three drivers — including reigning world champion Max Verstappen — following the chequered flag.
The decision came after a post-race review, shaking up the final standings in what was only the second sprint event of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Verstappen, a four-time world champion, was at the centre of controversy after a high-profile incident during the race. His aggressive maneuvering led to contact with a rival driver, drawing scrutiny from officials. Despite initially escaping punishment, the FIA later issued a penalty that impacted his final race position.
The penalty decision left many baffled, including Sky Sports F1 analysts Martin Brundle and David Croft, who questioned the FIA’s timing and consistency in enforcing regulations.
Elsewhere, chaos struck before the sprint race even began. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc crashed into the barriers during his lap to the grid, ruling him out of the event entirely.
Meanwhile, qualifying for the main race brought more surprises. Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton suffered a shock exit in Q2, and McLaren failed to convert strong pace into pole, losing out to Verstappen — before the penalty reshaped the sprint standings.
With the Miami weekend delivering controversy, crashes, and shifting fortunes, all eyes now turn to Sunday’s main Grand Prix for more high-stakes drama.