F1 Drivers Facing Bizarre End to Miami Grand Prix After Unusual F… read more
The 2025 Formula 1 season continues to deliver drama and surprises, with the Miami Grand Prix now set for an unusual and rather bizarre twist. As the sport wraps up a packed race weekend in Florida, the FIA has announced a new post-race format that could stir some awkward moments among the grid’s top stars.
This weekend’s Miami Grand Prix marks the sixth round of the 2025 F1 championship and follows a tightly scheduled weekend featuring the second sprint race of the season. On Saturday, McLaren’s Lando Norris continued his strong form, taking victory in the 100km sprint event. He was followed by teammate Oscar Piastri in second, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton impressed once again by securing a podium finish in his SF-25.
Just hours after the sprint concluded, qualifying for Sunday’s main race took place, with Red Bull’s reigning world champion Max Verstappen returning to familiar territory — pole position. Verstappen will have both McLarens and promising Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli chasing him down when the lights go out, with all eyes on a potential reshuffling of the podium places.
However, it’s what will happen after the race that’s attracting the most attention. In a move that caught many off guard, the FIA revealed a significant departure from the usual post-race procedures. According to their official announcement, “The post-race interviews will take place on a truck transporting the drivers to the podium ceremony.”
This unorthodox method is reportedly aimed at adding flair and enhancing the spectacle for fans, particularly as Formula 1 continues to build its American audience. Liberty Media, which has held the commercial rights to F1 since 2017, has heavily invested in the U.S. market. Miami, alongside Austin and Las Vegas, is now a centerpiece of F1’s American expansion. That momentum was reinforced this weekend with the announcement that the Miami GP has secured its place on the calendar until 2041 — a monumental 16-year extension.
But not everyone is thrilled by Miami’s growing prominence. When asked about the long-term extension, Verstappen offered a candid response: “Well, you know my position. I could mention it again, but not everyone will be happy about it.” The Dutchman, known for his blunt assessments, added, “Everyone knows I don’t like street circuits and… Yes, I do like Spa,” referring to Belgium’s historic and high-speed circuit, a personal favorite of his.
The new moving-truck interview format might also prove uncomfortable for Verstappen if tensions flare during the race. Last season and again this year, he’s had a few testy encounters with McLaren’s Piastri, particularly at the tight and unforgiving Turn 1. Should another incident occur between the two, fans and pundits alike will be watching to see if Verstappen will even take part in the mobile interviews. His past refusals to participate in media duties after controversial moments make a boycott a real possibility.
Despite the awkwardness it might create, the FIA seems committed to experimenting with fan engagement and entertainment, particularly in marquee races like Miami. The visual of top drivers giving their post-race reactions while aboard a slowly moving truck en route to the podium is certainly unconventional, but perhaps in line with the glitzy, entertainment-driven direction Liberty Media envisions for the sport.
As the drivers prepare for the main event under the Miami sun, the stakes remain high — not just for championship points, but for how they handle the spectacle once the chequered flag falls. For fans, it promises both high-speed thrills on the track and potentially awkward drama off it.
