Max Verstappen has humorously revisited his race-altering blunder from last season’s Miami Grand Prix as he gears up for the upcoming sprint weekend in Florida.
The Red Bull driver, a four-time world champion, will arrive late due to the impending birth of his first child with partner Kelly Piquet, but Red Bull have confirmed he will race at the Miami International Autodrome.
The sprint format in Miami offers additional championship points and restricts teams to a single hour of practice to optimize their cars.
Last year, Verstappen’s lead was compromised when he clipped a bollard at the tricky chicane in the circuit’s middle sector, damaging his RB20.
A poorly timed safety car, caused by a crash involving Logan Sargeant and Kevin Magnussen, sealed his fate, leaving him second behind Lando Norris, who celebrated the first of his five grand prix victories.
Engaged in a tight 2025 drivers’ championship fight with Norris and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, Verstappen quipped about avoiding repeat errors. “We had a nice break before the intense Miami sprint weekend,” he said.
“It’s a busy track with a mix of low- and high-speed corners, off-camber sections, and tough heat. The fans always bring a great vibe, and I’m looking forward to racing. Hopefully, no bollards this time!”
Red Bull, McLaren, and their rivals will contest 57 laps of the 5.412-kilometer Miami International Autodrome, nestled in the Hard Rock Stadium complex in Miami Gardens, on Sunday.
Recent X posts underscore the buzz around the event, with fans lauding the circuit’s lively atmosphere and expecting a thrilling duel in the championship race.
