GP of Miami
Max Verstappen starts the sprint race in Miami in fifth place on Saturday (6 p.m. Dutch time). For a change, Pole did not go to Mercedes. It was world champion Lando Norris who outpaced World Cup leader Kimi Antonelli and, just like last year, was the fastest in the sprint qualifying in Miami.
Verstappen’s first free practice was promising earlier on Friday a second time and this was followed by his best qualification of the year at the end of the American afternoon. After P20 in Australia, P8 twice in China (sprint and race) and P11 in Japan, there was now P5 for the sprint race in Miami.
In the sprint qualifying, the Dutchman from Red Bull Racing had to tolerate both McLarens (in addition to Norris, also Oscar Piastri), Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, but he finished ahead of George Russell (Mercedes) and Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari). Teammate Isack Hadjar starts ninth.
“I think this is really huge progress for us. Well done, everyone. Well done,” Verstappen complimented his team over the on-board radio, after which team boss Laurent Mekies also sounded satisfied. “Great Max, these are steps in the right direction, but only the first step.”
For Norris, his first pole of the year is also a big boost. The world champion also had some difficulty in the first three races of the season, unable to get close to the Mercedes. “We worked hard, but you never know for sure what to expect,” said Norris afterwards with a broad smile.
This gives exactly the confidence I was looking for
“I am very happy, because from the very first lap it felt like we have taken a step forward. This gives exactly the confidence I was looking for. Although we have to keep both feet on the ground now. There are still some uncertainties, especially when it comes to our speed.”
Painful day Aston Martin
It became painfully clear that a five-week spring break was not enough for Aston Martin to work miracles. During free practice, the team already reported ‘power problems’ in the garage, after which Lance Stroll – that Thursday at the media day completely destroyed Formula 1 – didn’t even get a time in the sprint qualifying due to problems with the brakes.
The Racing Bulls – Red Bull’s sister team – also did not come out of the spring break very well. Liam Lawson didn’t even get through the first qualifying part and starts the sprint race from P16 while teammate Arvid Lindblad is right in front of him in P17 after coming last in the second qualifying part.
Qualifying will follow Saturday evening’s sprint race (10 p.m.). The race will take place on Sunday, also at 10 p.m. Although it remains to be seen whether that will actually be the case. Because there are heavy rain and thunderstorms coming in Florida.
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Pole for Norris, Verstappen five
1. Lando Norris – 1:27.869
2. Andrea Kimi Antonelli – 1:28.091
3. Oscar Piastri – 1:28,108
4. Charles Leclerc – 1:28.239
5. Max Verstappen – 1:28.461
6. George Russell – 1:28,493
7. Lewis Hamilton – 1:28.618
8. Franco Colapinto – 1:29,320
9. Isaac Hadjar – 1:29,422
10. Pierre Gasly – 1:29.474
Verstappen is ready, the Dutchman sets a 1:28.461.
Fast time from Norris. The McLaren driver currently sets the fastest time: 1:27.869.
Hamilton is not faster than Russell. The Brit fails in the last sector: 1:28,618
SQ3 on the way
In the third part of qualifying, all drivers switch to soft tires. Let’s see what that will mean. Who will take pole position for tomorrow’s sprint race?
The dropouts from SQ2
11. Gabriel Bortoleto – 1:29.994
12. Nico Hulkenberg – 1:30.019
13. Oliver Bearman – 1:30.116
14. Alexander Albon – 1:30.216
15. Carlos Sainz – 1:30.224
16. Arvid Lindblad – 1:30.573
End of SQ2
Both drivers from Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull, Alpine and Mercedes are all in the top ten.
1. Charles Leclerc – 1:28.333
2. Oscar Piastri – 1:28,506
3. Lewis Hamilton – 1:28.841
4. George Russell – 1:28,903
5. Max Verstappen – 1:29.093
6. Andrea Kimi Antonelli – 1:29.209
7. Lando Norris – 1:29.366
8. Franco Colapinto – 1:29,527
9. Isaac Hadjar – 1:29,750
10. Pierre Gasly – 1:29.973
Leclerc improves his best time: 1:28.333.
Who makes it to the top 10?
Two minutes left on the clock.
10. Pierre Gasly – 1:29.973
11. Gabriel Bortoleto – 1:29.994
12. Nico Hulkenberg – 1:30.019
13. Alexander Albon – 1:30.216
14. Carlos Sainz – 1:30.224
15. Oliver Bearman – no time
16. Arvid Lindblad – no time
Verstappen goes to the fifth fastest time: 1:29.093 (+0.623).
Leclerc sets the fastest time for the time being: 1:28.470.
SQ2 has started
Ten minutes on the clock in Miami. Who will make the top ten?
SQ1 is over
These six drivers will not survive SQ1:
End for Stroll
Stroll has taken off his gloves in the pit box. The Aston Martin driver does not set a time.
Norris at 1
Norris dives under with a fast 1:28.723.
Times have now been tightened considerably. Leclerc is in the lead with a 1:29.290, with Antonelli and Hamilton behind. Verstappen occupies fourth place, ahead of Gasly and Russell.
Sprint qualification
The Sprint qualification has started. Who will be the first to take to the track?
Six questions and answers about the restart
After a five-week spring break, Miami is preparing for the resumption of the Formula 1 season. With adjustments to the regulations. But does this solve all the problems? “Formula 1 has no problem.”
Take the quiz
After five weeks of radio silence, it is finally time for action again: the Miami GP is just around the corner. Is your focus still as sharp as that of the drivers? Test your knowledge about the Miami circuit in our quiz and have a chance to win a unique racing experience at Racesquare. Click here for the quiz.
Updates, updates and more updates!
The teams have logically not been idle during the five-week spring break and the teams have therefore appeared in Miami with numerous updates.
