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Antonelli Leads Mercedes Charge into Miami Sprint Weekend

Sky Sports Champions League •
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Formula 1 returns to Miami for its second Sprint weekend of the season, with Kimi Antonelli leading the Drivers' Championship after consecutive victories in China and Japan. The young Mercedes driver holds a nine-point advantage over team-mate George Russell as the grid reconvenes after a five-week break.

Mercedes have dominated the opening three races, but regulation tweaks and the extended hiatus could shuffle the order. Every team arrives with upgrades in Miami, where Ferrari and McLaren will aim to close the gap. Lando Norris returns to the track where he claimed his maiden Grand Prix victory in 2024, while Oscar Piastri seeks to build on his near-miss in Japan.

Max Verstappen sits only ninth in the standings and recently hinted at reconsidering his F1 future, adding intrigue to how he responds to power unit regulation changes. The four-time champion will be under scrutiny throughout the weekend.

The Miami International Autodrome hosts the event from May 1-3, with dry and hot conditions forecast around 28C. Extended practice runs 90 minutes due to the break, starting at 5pm UK time on Friday. Sky Sports F1 provides full coverage, with the race at 9pm UK time on Sunday.