The world champion is back: Lando Norris has secured pole position for the second sprint of the Formula 1 year in Miami. In the redesigned McLaren, the British defending champion turned the fastest lap of the day on Friday in 1:27.869 minutes.
World Championship leader Kimi Antonelli followed in second place in the Mercedes, Norris teammate Oscar Piastri will start the 19-lap race on Saturday (6:00 p.m. CEST/Sky) from third place.
Charles Leclerc, who had previously won the only training session in the US state of Florida, only finished fourth in the Ferrari. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen reached fifth place with his Red Bull, ahead of George Russell in the second Mercedes and record world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Nico Hülkenberg, who is still waiting for his first championship points this season, came twelfth in the Audi. His Brazilian teammate Gabriel Bortoleto starts the sprint from eleventh place.
Because of the war in the Gulf region, Formula 1 canceled the races in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and the premier class was paused for five weeks. During this time, due to criticism of the new hybrid engines, adjustments were made to the technical regulations, which also affect qualifying.
Because the drives now have to collect less electrical energy per lap, the drivers can give more full throttle when chasing times. In addition, a majority of the teams have numerous updates that shake up the field.
In addition to the sprint, qualifying (10:00 p.m. CEST) takes place on Saturday around the Hard Rock Stadium. The Grand Prix in Miami is scheduled to take place on Sunday at 10 p.m. CEST (Sky), but due to a predicted storm the start in Florida could take place earlier.
