Last-Lap Drama Sees Kimi Antonelli Steal Miami GP Victory as Leclerc Spins

Kimi Antonelli claimed a stunning maiden Formula 1 victory at the Miami Grand Prix after a chaotic final lap saw Charles Leclerc spin from the lead and George Russell limp home with damage. The Mercedes rookie capitalized on the late drama to take the win, while Max Verstappen recovered to second after a difficult race for Red Bull.

Why it matters:

Antonelli's victory is a massive statement for both the rookie driver and the Mercedes team, marking their first win of the 2025 season and signaling a potential shift in competitiveness. The dramatic collapse for Ferrari's Leclerc, who had dominated much of the weekend, throws the championship battle wide open and underscores how quickly fortunes can change in F1.

The details:

• Charles Leclerc appeared to have the race under control, building a comfortable lead after starting from pole position.
• On the final lap, under pressure from a charging George Russell, Leclerc lost the rear of his Ferrari at the tricky Turn 16/17 chicane, spinning into the barriers and out of the race.
• George Russell, attempting to avoid the spinning Ferrari, clipped the barrier with his front wing, causing significant damage.
• Kimi Antonelli, who had been running a solid but quiet third, kept his composure to drive through the debris and take the checkered flag for a shock victory.
• Max Verstappen managed to pass the hobbled Mercedes of Russell on the run to the line to secure second place, limiting the damage for Red Bull on a day where their car lacked outright pace.
• Russell successfully nursed his damaged car home to complete the podium in third.

What's next:

The result dramatically tightens the standings, with Leclerc's non-score allowing Verstappen to maintain his championship lead but with a reduced margin. All eyes will now turn to Imola, where Ferrari will be desperate to rebound at their home race. Antonelli's breakthrough win adds a fascinating new dynamic to the rookie battle and proves Mercedes' recent upgrades are delivering performance, setting the stage for an intense European season opener.