Fantasy Preview: Miami Grand Prix

To Limitless or Not To Limitless?

Undoubedtly the most debated topic in F1 Fantasy has been the ideal time to use the Limitless chip. Historically, strategists deployed Limitless on Sprint weekends since the expensive lineup accrues points across three scoring events. To that end, the top Limitless lineup at the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix scored 456 points. Upon further inspection, several creators noticed that midfield drivers often outscore top drivers in the Sprint race because the P1-P8 position points are scaled down in this event. Overtakes and positions gained play a pivotal role in Sprint race scoring and can counter the benefits of a Limitless lineup.

The new approach to cost cap building in 2025 also plays a factor, since post-Limitless price changes are applied to the team from the previous race. Teams that lost value in Jeddah and use Limitless would face back-to-back cost cap deficits and find it more challenging to run a competitive lineup.

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With so many variables up in the air, let's review the pros of using Limitless in Miami. Only 1 driver DNF'd in the previous two Miami Grands Prix, a sign that this is a low-risk circuit for top assets. Currently, the top 5 drivers are well established: Piastri, Norris, Verstappen, Russell, and Leclerc - the odds of this group logging the top fantasy scores is high, as indicated in the betting lines below.

On the flip side, Miami ranks among the top 10 circuits for overtakes in each of the last three seasons. Logan Sargeant (10) scored more fantasy points in the Sprint race last season than the P2 and P3 drivers (Leclerc and Perez, 7). The gap between Limitless and non-Limitless teams may be tighter in Miami than at other circuits. The unpredictable weather in Florida this time of year also poses a threat.

Right now, against the recent surge of strategists that aim to use this chip at Imola or Monaco, I consider Miami the last great Limitless option for several weeks. As the F1 calendar shifts to Europe, the first major wave of upgrades stands to disrupt the running order. Fred Vasseur already suggested that Ferrari plan to bring upgrades at Imola. Meanwhile, the biggest threat to the frontrunning McLaren constructor comes in Spain when the latest flexi wing technical directive is scheduled for deployment.

While there are many factors to consider, confidently selecting the top 5 drivers remains my priority for using Limitless. Light rain this weekend presents some risk, but could actually suppress overtaking and increase the gap between the top drivers and midfield. Barring severe weather or a catastrophic FP1 or Sprint Qualifying, a Miami Limitless adventure awaits the FanAmp Fantasy HQ squad.

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Ferrari: The New Pit Stop Masters

Last season, Red Bull led F1 Fantasy in pit stop points and that proficiency buffered against the turbulent performances of Sergio Perez. Ferrari kicked off 2025 with an absolute masterclass in the pits, taking the DHL Fastest Pit Stop award in each of the first five races. In China, Ferrari recorded the fastest pit stop but F1 Fantasy stripped them of their bonus after both drivers were disqualified.

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While the recent meta lineups featured Mercedes, the Scuderia outscored the Silver Arrows in each of the last two races and scored 30 more fantasy points from pitstops this season. Ferrari logged three pit stops between 2.0 and 2.2 seconds, three times as many as the next closest constructor.

As Ferrari compete in more warm weather races and dial in the floor they introduced in Bahrain, their fantasy outlook should continue to improve. Look to Ferrari as the #2 constructor alongside McLaren this weekend.

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Weather Outlook

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Weather in Miami moves quickly but a popular week for Limitless begins with an ominous forecast. The top frontrunners thrive in wet conditions, however a poorly timed storm could leave at least one team losing places due to an incorrect tire strategy.

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Betting Lines

Betting lines will play a crucial role in selecting the best Limitless team this week. Piastri, Norris, Verstappen, Russell, and Leclerc stand out before FP1. McLaren continue to rein as the top constructor, with Ferrari and Mercedes neck and neck for P2 this week. For fantasy purposes, Ferrari's pit stop points gives them a slight edge.

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Driver and Constructor Tier List

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Lots of movement in Tier B as Ocon, Alonso, Lawson, and Bortoleto join Bearman and Hadjar in the Buy category. Each of these drivers need fewer than 12 points for a $0.6M price gain and the average score in China was 14 points - budget builders rejoice! Kimi Antontelli takes a rare seat in the sell category since he needs 42 points for the maximum price gain, but some teams are approaching the $113M threshold to afford Piastri, Antonelli, McLaren, and Mercedes.

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The Fantasy Formula returns to answer your lineup questions one hour before the start of the Sprint race, this Saturday at 11AM EST/4PM BST, only on the official FanAmp YouTube channel. Be sure to head over to the FanAmp app to share your lineup in The Fantasy Formula base and have it reviewed during the broadcast. See you there!