Final classification after late penalties app…. Follow the link in the comment section for details
The fourth round of the 2026 Formula 1 season, the Miami Grand Prix, delivered plenty of excitement both on and off the track, with the final race classification only confirmed after late penalties were applied by the FIA.
At the front of the field, Kimi Antonelli continued his remarkable form, securing his third victory from as many pole positions. Driving for Mercedes, Antonelli managed to hold off a strong challenge from Lando Norris, who finished second for McLaren. This result further strengthened Antonelli’s lead in the drivers’ championship, underlining his dominance in the early part of the season.
Norris not only secured second place but also set the fastest lap of the race, demonstrating McLaren’s competitiveness. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, completed the podium in third, giving McLaren a double podium finish and valuable points in the constructors’ standings.
Behind the leading trio, George Russell finished fourth, adding more points for Mercedes and reinforcing the team’s strong overall performance. The race, however, was not without controversy and late changes to the order, particularly involving penalties handed out after the chequered flag.
Max Verstappen, racing for Red Bull Racing, crossed the finish line in fifth place. He was later given a five-second time penalty for crossing the white line at the pit exit, a violation of race regulations. Despite the penalty, Verstappen retained his fifth-place finish, as the gap to the cars behind him was sufficient to prevent any change in position.
One of the most significant post-race developments involved Charles Leclerc of Ferrari. Initially finishing sixth on the road, Leclerc was handed a 20-second time penalty, which dropped him down to eighth place in the final classification. This penalty reshuffled the midfield order and allowed his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, to move up into sixth position.
Franco Colapinto took advantage of the situation as well, finishing seventh for Alpine. The Williams duo of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon completed the top ten in ninth and tenth positions respectively.
Further down the order, several drivers finished a lap or more behind the leaders, including Oliver Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Esteban Ocon. Others, such as Fernando Alonso and Sergio Pérez, endured difficult races and finished well outside the points.
The race also saw multiple retirements, highlighting the challenging nature of the event. Drivers who failed to finish included Nico Hülkenberg, Liam Lawson, Pierre Gasly, and Isack Hadjar.
Overall, the Miami race combined strong performances at the front with drama in the midfield and lower order, particularly due to the late penalties that altered the final standings. Antonelli’s consistency and composure continue to set the benchmark this season, while teams like McLaren and Mercedes are proving to be serious contenders.
Attention now shifts to the next round of the championship, the Canadian Grand Prix, which will take place at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Canada. With momentum building and rivalries intensifying, fans can expect another thrilling chapter in the 2026 Formula 1 season.