The weather forecast is…
…not looking great.
But hey, the interviews keep rolling on. So, we have Lisa from “White Lotus” here—just Lisa, apparently. I mean, I’m from Gen X, so I’m a bit out of the loop with this stuff.
Then there’s Evander Holyfield. He compares his interest in Formula 1 to many people’s interest in boxing—enjoying the viewing but not keen to jump into the ring himself.
Current boxer Conor Benn is also on-site, super pumped about winning his last fight and being part of the F1 grid for the first time.
And, of course, Jackie Stewart is around, as usual.
Preamble: Hey, we’re competitive right now!
If you haven’t been following F1 this season, things are looking surprisingly dynamic.
It’s genuinely competitive again.
Max Verstappen’s previous dominance, overtaking Lewis Hamilton’s records, no longer seems like a given. He’s currently third, trailing behind the two promising McLaren drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who are making a name for themselves this season. Piastri debuted in 2023, wrapping up last season in fourth place, while Norris finished second last year after clinching his first Formula One win in Miami—the location of today’s race.
Just two years ago, Verstappen and his Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez, won nearly every race. Now, with Perez stepping away from Formula 1 for a while, Verstappen has only won once in five races. His teammate has switched from Liam Lawson to Yuki Tsunoda, and neither has enjoyed a podium finish yet.
This season, six drivers are experiencing their first full year, including the notable Italian talent, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who races with George Russell at Mercedes. Antonelli debuted with a fourth-place finish and currently sits sixth, just ahead of Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time champion who’s been replaced.
The current standings are:
1. Piastri (McLaren) – 106 points
2. Norris (McLaren) – 97 points
3. Verstappen (Red Bull) – 87 points
4. Russell (Mercedes) – 78 points
5. Leclerc (Ferrari) – 47 points
6. Antonelli (Mercedes) – 40 points
7. Hamilton (Ferrari) – 37 points
No other drivers have exceeded 20 points yet. Alexander Albon and Esteban Ocon are in eighth and ninth place, respectively, with top-five finishes this year.
Exciting times at the Miami Grand Prix
Bo will be joining soon. In the meantime, here’s a bit about the Miami Grand Prix’s ascent.
This weekend, yet again, the Miami Grand Prix is sold out, appealing to a young, diverse crowd—a crucial aspect of Formula One’s newfound success in the United States. Since its inaugural race in 2022, Miami has become something of a showcase event.
Currently buzzing with activity, the grandstands host three teams showcasing special liveries for this weekend. The vibrant Flamingo Pink of the Red Bull is eye-catching, while the corporate blue of Scuderia Ferrari has also caught fans’ attention.
Cynics might grumble about Miami’s emphasis on spectacle, but the weekend atmosphere is undeniably captivating, blending competition and celebration. It’s probably F1’s first real attempt at a “event race,” and it seems that the numbers telling the story of its success are compelling.
The atmosphere in the general admission area—that less pricey, fun section—is becoming a hit for its vibrant and liberating feeling. It seems like not every race needs to be a somber affair.
