The Highs and Lows of Miami

The best and the worst from the Team’s time in the Sunshine State.

When

the

news

hit

that

Formula

One

was

going

Miami,

every

team

and

fan

got

excited.

Who

doesn’t

want

race

one

the

most

iconic

and

unique

cities

the

world?

There’s

style

and

buzz

Miami

nowhere

else.

The first plan was to race there in 2019 around Port Miami, however construction delays halted the race, then the Hard Rock Stadium complex – home of the Miami Dolphins – stepped in and in 2022 we had the first Miami Grand Prix.

As we head into the third Miami Grand Prix it’s time to look at the highs and lows from the previous races in the city. And, not to brag, but there’s plenty more highs than lows…

Those

First

Win

Feels

It’s always nice to be the first to do something. And that exactly what Max did at the first Miami Grand Prix.

In 2022, the Miami race was round five of the campaign and going into the race, Charles Leclerc was leading the championship, with Max in second and Checo in third. In qualifying Max had to settle for third, behind the Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Leclerc, who took pole.

At lights out Max got away quickly and in front of Sainz into the first corner. Max then kept on the tail of Leclerc until the start of lap nine where, with DRS, he powered past the Monégasque driver to take the lead.

From then on it was plain sailing for Max who took the chequered flag and the first ever Miami Grand Prix win.

Three Bulls On The Podium

Time

Set

Sadness

When the Team returned to Miami in 2023, it was the fifth round again, and between Max and Checo, they had collected three out of the four possible pole positions.

It was looking good with Max topping both Q1 and Q2, with Checo P3 in Q1 and P5 in Q2. However, in Q3, Max went wide twice in sector one of his first flyer, forcing him to abandon his lap and return to the pits without setting a time. Meanwhile, Checo was sitting on provisional pole with a time of 1:26.841.

As the time ticked down both Bulls returned to the track, but were unable to set a new time, because at turn six, Charles Leclerc crashed into the barriers causing the red flags to be waved. And with only 1:36 left on the clock, it was impossible for Max to set a time and he had to settle for P9, whilst Checo claimed the third pole position of his career.

Ready To Rock

Two

From

Two

If you thought a P9 start for Max was going to hinder him at all, you’re very wrong. With just 15 laps of the Grand Prix completed, Max found himself in P2 with only his teammate in front of him.

Max eventually took the lead on P20 when Checo pitted for fresh tyres. Max was on a one stop strategy and with only 12 laps remaining, stopped for fresh mediums. With the grippier rubber he was able to get ahead of Checo and take the win in Miami for the second time in two years. Checo brought his RB19 home in P2 secure the Team’s third podium in Miami from just two races.

Leading The Pack

Teammates

Battling

You often see a teammate let the faster car through without a fight, but Max and Checo were ready to do battle in Miami. With just 12 laps left Max left the pits on mediums just 1.6s behind Checo.

With DRS to hand, Max was going to make a move early. He attacked into turn 17 and Checo did a brilliant job to fend off his teammate, but Max was too close and, on the run into to turn one on lap 48, he drew alongside. Checo tried to defend again and held position through the first part of the corner but Max wouldn’t be denied and he eventually pulled away from Checo to take the lead and ultimately, the win.

Game Recognising Game