McLaren seized the initiative in the Miami Sprint, delivering a commanding one-two through Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri and trimming Mercedes' advantage in the Formula 1 Constructors' Championship. The Brackley-based team managed only fourth and sixth after a difficult run in Florida, while Charles Leclerc took third to complete the podium. It was a timely haul for McLaren in the context of the title fight.
The 19-lap shootout reshaped the front of the standings. Mercedes still head the table, but their cushion shrank as both Ferrari and McLaren capitalized on stronger sprint results. Points were comparatively scarce for Mercedes relative to their early-season standards.
Heading into Grand Prix Sunday, Mercedes lead on 143 points, with Ferrari on 98. McLaren were the day's biggest movers, rising to 61 points, while Red Bull sit on 20 and Haas round out the top five with 18.
Red Bull also added valuable points, with Max Verstappen finishing fifth. Alpine boosted its tally thanks to a points-scoring drive from Pierre Gasly. In a compact sprint format, every point proved significant for teams looking to build momentum.
McLaren's sprint sweep underscores the team's recent progress and provides fresh impetus heading into the main race. Ferrari's podium keeps the Scuderia firmly in the chase, with the leading trio now separated by a reduced margin.
Focus now shifts to the Grand Prix, where full-distance points will offer another opportunity to swing the balance in the constructors' fight. Mercedes will aim to respond, while McLaren and Ferrari look to press home their Miami gains. The standings will be updated again after Sunday's race.
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*Originally published on [News Formula 1](https://newsformula.one/article/constructors-standings-mclaren-close-on-mercedes-after-miami-sprint). Visit for full coverage.*
