Miami Grand Prix promises to throw up intense battle

Dubai: Formula 1 is racing at the 305! For the uninitiated, that’s the pin code of where Formula 1 will race in Miami this weekend. It’s a coincidence altogether that the total race distance of a Formula 1 Grand Prix is also around 305 kms.

The Miami Grand Prix, hosted at a temporary street circuit build around the famous Hard Rock Stadium in Florida, is the 80th race in the United States of America – a number that sees USA rank second on the list of countries to host a Formula 1 race after Italy (107).

The promoters attempted 75 different circuit layout designs before agreeing on the current one.

Will the real Lando Norris please show up?

The biggest surprise of 2025 has been Lando Norris, and his performances, or lack thereof. “Is it the car or is it the driver?” is a common question in Formula 1, often evoking strong responses when a driver is dominating a la Max Verstappen in this era.

In Norris’ case, are his struggles down to McLaren’s quick car that is not easy to tame, or is the British driver struggling yet again to cope with the pressures of fighting for the Formula 1 title? 2024 was a two-driver battle for the F1 title - Norris vs. Verstappen. In 2025, Oscar Piastri, the current leader of the Drivers’ Championship, has entered the title battle. Norris is yet to show signs that he can handle a three-driver battle.

There are two versions of Norris that have turned up in 2025. First, a marginally-quicker-than-Piastri version who has been protected from intra-team battles by McLaren’s unpopular “Papaya Rules”. Second, an error-prone title hopeful in an all-round fast car.

For Formula 1’s sake, let’s hope a competitive Norris shows up. Miami is the venue of Norris’ first race win in Formula 1 – would this offer a psychological boost?

The popularity of the sport will continue to explode if there are battles at the front between top drivers!

But will there be a battle in Miami?

Four out of the first 5 races of 2025 were won by the driver start from pole position. However, Miami has never been won from pole position! In fact, the driver starting from pole position has always finished in second place.

While Red Bull Racing, McLaren and Mercedes have been engaged in battle at the front, and have shared the most podium places, the truth also is that Formula 1 hasn’t witnessed a battle for the race lead this season.

In the last race in Jeddah, Verstappen robbed us of a battle with Piastri after messing up the first corner and picking up a penalty that cost him a win! In other races, rather than attacking rivals on track, Formula 1 drivers have preferred to sit back in “clean air”, protect the sensitive Pirelli tyres and hope for an on-track interruption leading to a favourable tyre strategy. Can Miami buck this trend?

Liveries, Celebrities & Lego

Almost every team and driver have released special liveries for Miami. Racing Bull’s wheel covers are inspired by the top of a Red Bull can, while Norris’ helmet is akin to a disco light! My favourite is Lego’s life-size build of all the 10 Formula 1 cars, while of course the “fake marina” at Turn 4 continues to be an eye sore.

The first race of the season in America has been dubbed as “America’s Monaco” and will see a sling of celebrities throng the paddock and start grid. Amidst the glitz and glamour, the focus will be on the “upgrades” teams would bring to Miami.

After all, it was McLaren’s upgrade in Miami last year that helped them take the fight to Red Bull Racing and clinch the World Constructors’ Championship. Will any team make a similar leap this year? If it is Mercedes, the 2025 Formula 1 season could turn into a four-way battle for the title. All eyes on Miami.

Kunal Shah is an FIA-accredited Formula 1 journalist & a TV expert. He is the former Head of Marketing, Sponsorship & junior driver programme at the Force India F1 team.