Miami Grand Prix Review: Piastri Shines, Hamilton Frustrated

Read our review of the Miami GP, featuring drama, overtaking battles, and team tensions in the F1 paddock.

I'm not thrilled about the Miami Grand Prix's extension on the F1 calendar until 2041. The circuit, set in a parking lot, hasn't exactly thrilled me with its racing in the first three years. It's one of my least favorite tracks.

Miami Grand Prix Controversy

The recent Miami Grand Prix didn't disappoint in terms of drama. Oscar Piastri pulled away to secure a win, while Lewis Hamilton's frustration grew on the track. The tension was palpable, and there's plenty to discuss about the racing action and behind-the-scenes drama in the F1 paddock.

🙌🙌

A three-time consecutive Grand Prix winner 👊 @OscarPiastri #F1 #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/ET6G3grq9R

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 4, 2025

I had low expectations for the Miami Grand Prix, but the Drivers' Parade, featuring impressive life-sized Lego F1 cars, set a fun tone for the event. Fortunately, the racing lived up to the hype, with Oscar Piastri taking the win amidst plenty of on-track drama and team radio chatter.

Piastri Outshines Norris in Overtaking Duel

Oscar Piastri's ability to go wheel-to-wheel with Max Verstappen was again evident in Miami. Unlike teammate Lando Norris, Piastri handled the situation with ease, passing Verstappen smoothly. Norris, despite being faster all weekend, struggled to overtake the Dutchman, losing opportunities and ultimately finishing behind Piastri. Norris's attempts to pass Verstappen were unsuccessful, highlighting the difference between the two McLaren drivers in high-pressure situations.

Your Miami GP driver of the day, Oscar Piastri 👏#McLaren | @salesforce pic.twitter.com/SxlmhcQ4eM

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) May 5, 2025

Lando Norris's attempts to overtake Max Verstappen were aggressive but often forced, targeting non-existent gaps. In contrast, Oscar Piastri waited for clear opportunities, showcasing his calm and confident approach. Piastri's faster car eventually allowed him to seize the moment and pass Verstappen smoothly.

Piastri's composure was notable, while Norris appeared impatient. Given Norris's pursuit to stop Piastri and close the championship gap, smarter tactics will be essential. With Piastri extending his lead, Norris needs to reassess his approach to challenge for wins effectively.

Hamilton's Frustration Boils Over at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton's patience with Ferrari wore thin in Miami. After being stuck behind Charles Leclerc on fresher tires, Hamilton expected a chance to pass. However, Ferrari's delayed decision to let him through ultimately cost him a potential top-six finish, leaving him visibly frustrated. “Have a tea break while you're at it,” Hamilton quipped over the radio, expressing his irritation with the team's hesitation.

Lewis Hamilton's frustration with Ferrari was clear, particularly regarding their decision-making. His radio messages revealed growing impatience, suggesting he's struggling to adapt to the team's inefficiencies. This dissatisfaction might be exacerbated by driving a car inferior to McLaren's and notably slower than his potential Mercedes machine, a point that likely stings given his past affiliations.

Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari seemed driven more by passion than pragmatism. However, the team's underperformance has likely fallen short of his expectations. If improvements aren't made, their highly anticipated partnership could become strained. Already, signs of tension are emerging.

Williams' Resurgence Under Vowles

Williams's performance in Miami was notable, positioning them close to Ferrari. This achievement reflects well on team principal James Vowles, who took over in 2023 when Williams struggled, finishing with just eight points. Vowles's leadership has driven significant improvement, bringing the team back on track.

Williams's progress under James Vowles' leadership has been notable. After a steady improvement over two seasons, Carlos Sainz's signing for 2025 signaled bigger ambitions. The team's performance in Miami validated this move, with Sainz and Alex Albon showcasing competitiveness that often saw them outpacing Ferrari.

In the Miami Grand Prix, Albon delivered a strong finish, outperforming several rivals, including Leclerc and Hamilton. Sainz also made an impact, beating Yuki Tsunoda. The results demonstrate Williams's growing strength and potential in the competitive F1 landscape.

Williams's current performance is impressive, positioning them as the slowest of the frontrunners rather than the fastest of the midfield pack. Given their recent struggles, this progress is notable. The team's resurgence can be attributed to the combination of top drivers, effective leadership under James Vowles, and their rich history.

The Williams project stands out in F1, with Vowles's leadership potentially being a key factor in their success. Interestingly, Mercedes's struggles since his departure raise questions about his impact. With talented drivers and a legacy team, Williams's trajectory is exciting, making them a compelling story to watch in the sport.