Piastri Eyes Third Successive Win as Norris Seeks Miami Bounce Back

Posted : 01 May 2025

Lando Norris will always have a special connection to Miami after securing his first Formula One victory there last year, but this time, his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri could have even more to celebrate. Piastri, who took the championship lead from Norris by winning in Saudi Arabia, now heads into the second sprint weekend of the season with a 10-point advantage.

The 24-year-old Australian, who is now seen as a strong title contender, will look to extend his lead with a third consecutive victory and a fourth of the season from just six races.

Piastri's calm and focused attitude, in contrast to Norris's more open self-criticism, has led many in F1 to believe that he is on the verge of greatness. Australian F1 champion Alan Jones, speaking on Fox Sports, praised Piastri’s potential, declaring him a future world champion.

Jones even suggested that Piastri could win the title this year, emphasizing Norris's mental struggles as a potential disadvantage. While Norris has his supporters who view his openness as a strength, he faces pressure to regain his form after recent setbacks.

Miami, where Norris claimed victory from fifth on the grid last year, offers a perfect opportunity for him to bounce back. Despite his recent challenges, Norris remains confident in his pace and is focused on improving his Saturdays to make his life easier during the weekend.

He acknowledged that his struggles in Saudi Arabia were partly due to not maximizing his Saturday performance, but he believes that with the right adjustments, he can return to his previous level of competitiveness.

The McLaren duo, however, can't assume that the battle for victory will be between them alone. Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who has won twice in Miami and is only 12 points behind Piastri in the standings, is also a strong contender. Verstappen is eager to recover after losing a battle to Piastri in Jeddah.

Meanwhile, Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who won the season’s only other sprint in China, faces challenges but remains optimistic about the team's progress. The Miami race will also mark the first time for six drivers, including Alpine's Jack Doohan and Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto, to race at the venue as they seek their first points of the season.

Piastri Eyes Third Successive Win as Norris Seeks Miami Bounce Back

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