F1 Paddock News: Miami Odds, female karters, merch & other stuff
F1 NewsThursday, 01 May 2025 at 07:20
This edition of F1 Paddock News summarises news put out by Formula 1 teams, the FIA and related organisations, as well as a look at the bookmaker odds for this weekend's Miami Grand Prix.
As the 2025 Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix approaches, teams and partners are igniting the paddock with fashion, lifestyle and commercial announcements. Alpine has launched a limited-edition apparel collaboration with DUKE + DEXTER, while Haas teams up with Hampton Water Rosé, co-founded by Jon Bon Jovi and son Jesse, for a stateside celebration.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris arrive in Miami as joint-favourites, with Piastri now leading the Drivers’ Championship and title odds. Formula 1 also welcomes PwC as its new Official Consulting Partner, reinforcing its commitment to global growth and strategic excellence.
Fans can enjoy a reimagined retail experience across the Miami circuit, with limited-edition merchandise, biometric checkout and online customisation thanks to J.P. Morgan Payments.
Meanwhile, the FIA continues its push for inclusivity, backing Emma-Rose Dowling and Eva Dorrestijn in the FIA Karting Academy Trophy as part of its commitment to developing female talent at the grassroots level.
Piastri and Norris lead betting odds ahead of the 2025 Miami Grand Prix
McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are joint-favourites to win the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, with both priced at 11/8 by Betfair. Piastri, who now leads the Drivers’ Championship, is also the new Betfair favourite for the title, ahead of Norris at 9/5.
Max Verstappen, still winless since Round 2, is third favourite for Miami at 11/2, while George Russell sits at 12/1. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc follows at 16/1, with teammate Lewis Hamilton now a distant 30/1 for both the race and the title.
Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “After a tough outing in Jeddah, Norris has a shot at redemption on the track where he claimed his maiden win. Meanwhile, Piastri’s momentum has made him the frontrunner for the Championship.”
Veterans including Fernando Alonso, Esteban Ocon and Nico Hulkenberg are 500/1 outsiders, along with rookies Jack Doohan and Oliver Bearman. Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli is rated 70/1, while AlphaTauri’s Isack Hadjar is listed at 425/1.
Piastri’s surge has shifted the Championship narrative as McLaren look to maintain their early-season edge heading into Miami.
Alpine teams up with DUKE + DEXTER for limited Miami GP fashion drop
BWT Alpine Formula One Team has partnered with London-based luxury brand DUKE + DEXTER to launch a limited-edition apparel collection for the 2025 Miami Grand Prix.
The drop blends motorsport heritage with vintage-inspired streetwear, building on DUKE + DEXTER’s earlier “Duke Racing” collection.
The capsule includes graphic t-shirts, racing jackets in Alpine’s signature pink, vintage jerseys featuring Pierre Gasly’s #10, and a special Alpine-branded edition of the new “Plus Duke” sneakers. The footwear design includes a removable lace guard inspired by the brand’s classic penny loafers.
The collection goes live on 1 May, timed with the team’s arrival in Miami, and will be available at www.dukeanddexter.com. Drivers Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan will showcase the range over the race weekend.
DUKE + DEXTER founder Archie Hewlett said: “F1 and racing culture have been part of our brand from the beginning. This collaboration with Alpine felt natural.” Alpine added: “The capsule merges our racing identity with D+D’s craft, delivering a look that reflects both engineering and style.”
Formula 1 names PwC as Official Consulting Partner
Formula 1 has announced a new multi-year partnership with PwC, appointing the global professional services firm as its Official Consulting Partner. The collaboration begins this weekend at the Miami Grand Prix and will see PwC offer strategic support across F1’s global operations.
The agreement will include race signage and client hosting at Grands Prix, while PwC will advise on performance strategy and innovation. The partnership aims to enhance F1’s operational excellence as the sport expands across new markets.
Emily Prazer, F1’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “PwC’s problem-solving DNA makes them a natural fit for F1 as we continue to innovate and grow globally. Their strategic expertise will be key to navigating our evolving business landscape.”
Paul Griggs, PwC US Senior Partner, added: “F1 is the ultimate example of performance under pressure, and that’s where PwC thrives. We’re proud to bring our insights to help the sport reach the next level.”
The partnership underscores F1’s commitment to corporate alignment and high-performance collaboration, as the sport continues its transformation on and off the track.
Miami GP merch drop blends tech, culture and racing spirit
The 2025 Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix begins with a retail revamp led by J.P. Morgan Payments and South Florida Motorsports, offering fans exclusive merchandise, biometric checkout, and suite-side delivery for Paddock Club guests.
The new merchandise line includes limited-edition pieces designed in collaboration with the Miami Dolphins, motorsport lifestyle brand Period Correct, and women’s sports platform Togethxr. A dedicated Apparel Customization Center powered by BYLT debuts this year, allowing fans to personalise their gear.
Fans can shop online at shop.f1miamigp.com from 1 May, with enhanced e-commerce features supported by J.P. Morgan Payments. The retail experience aims to blend luxury, technology and Miami flair, while ensuring fast, secure transactions across the venue.
Tyler Epp, President of the Miami GP, said: “With retail powered by J.P. Morgan Payments and creative partners onboard, we’ve created a fan-first experience that’s modern, inclusive and globally accessible.”
New offerings will also provide insight-driven improvements for future events, marking a significant step in how Formula 1 delivers fan engagement at race weekends.
Haas and Hampton Water toast Miami GP with new partnership
MoneyGram Haas F1 Team has announced a special partnership with Hampton Water Wine Co. for the Miami Grand Prix, marking the American team’s first home race of the season. The rosé brand, co-founded by Jesse Bongiovi and music icon Jon Bon Jovi, will feature on the VF-25’s rear-wing endplate.
The collaboration will also see VIP guests treated to a bespoke Hampton Water tasting experience within the team’s Miami hospitality suite, complete with curated courses and exclusive gifting.
Team Principal Ayao Komatsu said: “As the only American team in F1, we’re proud to partner with a brand founded by American icons. It’s a celebration of our shared values and home-ground pride.”
Jesse Bongiovi added: “Hampton Water is about bringing people together. There’s nothing like the energy of F1 and Miami to reflect that spirit.”
The partnership aligns with Haas’s efforts to connect with fans and sponsors through uniquely American tie-ins, enhancing the team’s visibility at one of F1’s most high-profile events.
FIA backs young female drivers in Karting Academy Trophy
The FIA Women in Motorsport Commission will support two young female drivers, Emma-Rose Dowling and Eva Dorrestijn, in this year’s FIA Karting Academy Trophy. The initiative forms part of the FIA’s drive to double participation in motorsport and increase inclusivity at the grassroots level.
Dowling, a South African and Junior Max Rotax Series leader, will compete in the OK-Junior (12–14 years) category. Dutch driver Dorrestijn, 15, will race in the newly introduced senior bracket (14–16 years). Both drivers have impressive records, including multiple podiums and recognitions in female development programmes.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “We are committed to building an inclusive environment in motorsport. Supporting rising female talent ensures long-term growth and diversity.”
WiM Commission Chair Burcu Cetinkaya added: “We were impressed by the calibre of applicants. Both Emma-Rose and Eva earned their place, and we look forward to supporting their journey.”
The 2025 FIA Karting Academy season begins in May at Portimão, followed by junior events in Valencia. The programme is a known feeder for future F1 stars, with alumni including Leclerc, Russell and Ocon.
Latest News
Loading
