Three Penalties Given at the Miami Grand Prix Sprint
During the Sprint at the Miami International Autodrome, Haas driver Oliver Bearman, Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson, and Williams driver Alex Albon were all in the mix for receiving five-second penalties for different incidents. The heavy rain delayed the start of the sprint and caused all the drivers to start on intermediate tires. As the ground began to dry up, many of the drivers switched to slick tires. When the Haas team was done changing out Bearman’s tires, he was then let into the pit lane, causing Nico Hulkenberg, the Kick Sauber driver, to brake and keep cautious. Video evidence was used to determine that he had driven right in front of him. The five-second penalty was deemed suitable for the unsafe release of the rookie, and dropped him from eighth position to 14th.
The new Racing Bulls driver was given his five-second penalty, as well as an additional penalty for a collision with Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso. Lawson was attempting to overtake, which caused the wreckage that made Alonso retire from the rest of the Sprint. Alonso was the first driver to crash when the sprint had started, as he was battling with Lawson, who hit the inside of the Aston Martin. It destroyed the two-time World Champion’s AMR25. Unfortunately, Alonso had been set and secure in his first point finish of the 2025 season, only to lose it due to the accident.
Lastly, Albon, the Williams driver, failed to stay above the minimum time under Safety Car conditions, dropping him from fourth to 11th. The Stewards on the track noted that the conditions of the track were not exactly ideal and that Albon did not create an unsafe or dangerous environment. He was elected, then elected not to earn any penalty points. The three drivers and decisions made promoted Red Bull Racing driver, Yuki Tsunoda, by three points. Max Verstappen also participated in an unsafe release, making contact with Kimi Antonelli and causing damage to his own front wing. Make sure to stay tuned for the race on May 4th!
