Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the Miami F1 Grand Prix, edging Max Verstappen by 0.166 seconds. This marks Antonelli's third consecutive pole, with a fast lap time of 1:27.798.
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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – If Sunday’s Formula 1 Crypto.com Grand Prix of Miami is nearly as competitive as Saturday’s qualifying session for the race, South Florida fans are in for a high-speed treat.
Reigning F1 championship leader, 19-year old Italian Kimi Antonelli claimed pole position for Sunday’s race, his Mercedes edging Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen by a slight .166-second to earn his third consecutive pole. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was third fastest.
“It’s been an amazing day to be on pole again,’’ said Antonelli who set fast lap time of 1:27.798 on his first attempt in the final session around the 3.363-mile, 19-turn Miami International Autodrome.
“Super happy with the recovery,’’ he noted after a penalty in Saturday’s Sprint Race dropped him from fourth to sixth place in those standing. "It was a good quali. Obviously got a little bit too excited on last lap of Q3, but the first lap was good enough. Really happy with that.
“Hopefully the magic one [start] will happen tomorrow – it would be nice to not lose any positions, but we will do our best,’’ Antonelli added with a grin.
The two-time Miami race winner Verstappen turned in a flying lap in the closing minute of the 12-minute final session - his attempt to unseat the young Italian missing by that fraction of a second. However that front row start is a welcome shift in competitive spirit for the four-time world champion, who has yet to earn a top-five finish through three grand prix starts in the early portion of the 2026 season.
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Former tennis player Serena Williams ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Jimmy Fallon with Red Bull's Max Verstappen ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Kimi Antonelli won pole position for the Miami F1 Grand Prix.
Kimi Antonelli's fastest lap time in qualifying was 1:27.798.
Max Verstappen finished second in the qualifying session, 0.166 seconds behind Kimi Antonelli.
Kimi Antonelli faced a penalty in Saturday's Sprint Race that dropped him from fourth to sixth place before qualifying.
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 Inter Miami's Luis Suarez is seen ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Brian Snyder
McLaren's Australian driver Oscar Piastri looks on as he makes a pit stop during a practice session for the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty Images)
May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (3) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Cadillac's British team principal Graeme Lowdon (L) looks on during the practice session for the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty Images)
Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen races during a practice session for the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Former tennis player Serena Williams ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Pierre Gasly of France driving the (10) Alpine F1 A526 Mercedes on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 01, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Pierre Gasly of France driving the (10) Alpine F1 A526 Mercedes on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 01, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
Mercedes' Italian driver Kimi Antonelli rides a scooter after a practice session for the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 01: George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W17 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 01, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Pierre Gasly of France driving the (10) Alpine F1 A526 Mercedes on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 01, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Oscar Piastri of Australia and McLaren prepares to drive during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 01, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)
Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc (R) speaks with a Ferrari team member before the Sprint qualifying session ahead of the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)
McLaren's British driver Lando Norris (C) walks to the garage for Sprint qualifying ahead of the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)
Ferrari's British driver Lewis Hamilton rides a scooter as he makes his way to his garage before the start of Sprint qualifying ahead of the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)
Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc walks to the garage before the start of Sprint qualifying ahead the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)
Rebecca Donaldson, girlfriend of Williams' Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, exits the paddock before the start of Sprint qualifying ahead of the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls prepares to drive in the garage during Sprint Qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 01, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
Williams' Spanish driver Carlos Sainz races during Sprint qualifying ahead of the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)
Haas F1 Team's British driver Oliver Bearman races during Sprint qualifying ahead of the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls prepares to drive during Sprint Qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 01, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
Williams' Spanish driver Carlos Sainz races during Sprint qualifying ahead of the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)
Formula One F1 - McLaren Racing Showrun event ahead of Miami Grand Prix - Regatta Harbour Park, Miami, Florida, United States - April 29, 2026 The MP4/14 is driven by Mika Hakkinen during the event REUTERS/Marco Bello
Formula One F1 - McLaren Racing Showrun event ahead of Miami Grand Prix - Regatta Harbour Park, Miami, Florida, United States - April 29, 2026 The MCL60 is seen during the event REUTERS/Marco Bello
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 Haas' Oliver Bearman wears an Inter Miami jersey as he arrives ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Marco Bello
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 General view of intermediate tyres ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 General view inside the Hard Rock stadium ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Marco Bello
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 RB's Liam Lawson at the Hard Rock stadium ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 Aston Martin's Lance Stroll ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Marco Bello
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Marco Bello
Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Williams driver Carlos Sainz (55) arrives to the paddock area at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Williams driver Alexander Albon (23) arrives to the paddock area at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Alpine driver Pierre Gasly (10) arrives riding a bicycle to the paddock area at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton (44) arrives to the paddock area at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes' George Russell jerseys are seen ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Marco Bello
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 Cadillac's Valtteri Bottas with Miami Dolphins' A. J. Henning and Quinn Ewers ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 Aston Martin's Lance Stroll plays American Football ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 Inter Miami's Luis Suarez and his partner Sofia Balbi are seen ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; McLaren driver Lando Norris (1) talks to media during media day at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; a general view a mural during Formula 1 media day at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; McLaren driver Lando Norris (1) talks to media during media day at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Audi racing director Allan McNish speaks during an interview in the paddock area at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (12) drives a go-kart in the paddock area at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (12) speaks to reporters during a press conference at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Williams' Carlos Sainz Jr. ahead of sprint qualifying REUTERS/Marco Bello
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 McLaren's Oscar Piastri during sprint qualifying REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Alpine's Pierre Gasly during sprint qualifying Pool via REUTERS/Lynne Sladky
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton during sprint qualifying Pool via REUTERS/Lynne Sladky
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli during sprint qualifying Pool via REUTERS/Lynne Sladky
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Mechanics work on the car of Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton during practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Alpine driver Pierre Gasly (10) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Cadillac-Ferrari driver Sergio Perez (11) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Alpine driver Pierre Gasly (10) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (16) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026 at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton (44) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (3) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; McLaren driver Lando Norris (1) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026 at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Alpine driver Pierre Gasly (10) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026 at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton (44) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026 at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton (44) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026 at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton (44) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026 at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; McLaren driver Oscar Piastri (81) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (16) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026 at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton (44) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026 at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Red Bull's Max Verstappen during practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Red Bull's Max Verstappen during practice REUTERS/Marco Bello TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Red Bull's Isack Hadjar during practice REUTERS/Marco Bello
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton during practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Ferrari's Charles Leclerc during practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton during practice REUTERS/Marco Bello
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Ferrari's Charles Leclerc pits during practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 General view of a Miami graphic on the floor of the pit lane during practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton during practice REUTERS/Marco Bello
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso during practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton during practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 McLaren's Oscar Piastri during practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Aston Martin's Lance Stroll during practice REUTERS/Marco Bello
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Red Bull's Isack Hadjar during practice REUTERS/Marco Bello
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Haas' Oliver Bearman during practice REUTERS/Marco Bello
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 McLaren's Oscar Piastri during practice REUTERS/Marco Bello
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Jimmy Fallon with Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 McLaren's Lando Norris during practice REUTERS/Marco Bello
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Ferrari's Charles Leclerc ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Mercedes' George Russell ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Former tennis player Serena Williams ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Former tennis player Serena Williams ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Jimmy Fallon with Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Former tennis player Serena Williams ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Former tennis player Serena Williams ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Jimmy Fallon with Red Bull's Max Verstappen ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 Inter Miami's Luis Suarez is seen ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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McLaren's Australian driver Oscar Piastri looks on as he makes a pit stop during a practice session for the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty Images)
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May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (3) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Cadillac's British team principal Graeme Lowdon (L) looks on during the practice session for the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty Images)
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Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen races during a practice session for the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Former tennis player Serena Williams ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Pierre Gasly of France driving the (10) Alpine F1 A526 Mercedes on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 01, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
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MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Pierre Gasly of France driving the (10) Alpine F1 A526 Mercedes on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 01, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
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Mercedes' Italian driver Kimi Antonelli rides a scooter after a practice session for the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty Images)
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MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 01: George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W17 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 01, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
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MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Pierre Gasly of France driving the (10) Alpine F1 A526 Mercedes on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 01, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)
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MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Oscar Piastri of Australia and McLaren prepares to drive during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 01, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)
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Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc (R) speaks with a Ferrari team member before the Sprint qualifying session ahead of the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)
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McLaren's British driver Lando Norris (C) walks to the garage for Sprint qualifying ahead of the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)
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Ferrari's British driver Lewis Hamilton rides a scooter as he makes his way to his garage before the start of Sprint qualifying ahead of the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)
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Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc walks to the garage before the start of Sprint qualifying ahead the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)
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Rebecca Donaldson, girlfriend of Williams' Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, exits the paddock before the start of Sprint qualifying ahead of the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty Images)
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MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls prepares to drive in the garage during Sprint Qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 01, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
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Williams' Spanish driver Carlos Sainz races during Sprint qualifying ahead of the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)
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Haas F1 Team's British driver Oliver Bearman races during Sprint qualifying ahead of the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty Images)
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MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls prepares to drive during Sprint Qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 01, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
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Williams' Spanish driver Carlos Sainz races during Sprint qualifying ahead of the 2026 Miami Formula One Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)
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Formula One F1 - McLaren Racing Showrun event ahead of Miami Grand Prix - Regatta Harbour Park, Miami, Florida, United States - April 29, 2026 The MP4/14 is driven by Mika Hakkinen during the event REUTERS/Marco Bello
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Formula One F1 - McLaren Racing Showrun event ahead of Miami Grand Prix - Regatta Harbour Park, Miami, Florida, United States - April 29, 2026 The MCL60 is seen during the event REUTERS/Marco Bello
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 Haas' Oliver Bearman wears an Inter Miami jersey as he arrives ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Marco Bello
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 General view of intermediate tyres ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 General view inside the Hard Rock stadium ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Marco Bello
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 RB's Liam Lawson at the Hard Rock stadium ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 Aston Martin's Lance Stroll ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Marco Bello
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Marco Bello
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Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Williams driver Carlos Sainz (55) arrives to the paddock area at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Williams driver Alexander Albon (23) arrives to the paddock area at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Alpine driver Pierre Gasly (10) arrives riding a bicycle to the paddock area at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton (44) arrives to the paddock area at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes' George Russell jerseys are seen ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Marco Bello
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 Cadillac's Valtteri Bottas with Miami Dolphins' A. J. Henning and Quinn Ewers ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 Aston Martin's Lance Stroll plays American Football ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami, Florida, United States - April 30, 2026 Inter Miami's Luis Suarez and his partner Sofia Balbi are seen ahead of the Miami Grand Prix REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; McLaren driver Lando Norris (1) talks to media during media day at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; a general view a mural during Formula 1 media day at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; McLaren driver Lando Norris (1) talks to media during media day at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Audi racing director Allan McNish speaks during an interview in the paddock area at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (12) drives a go-kart in the paddock area at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Apr 30, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (12) speaks to reporters during a press conference at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Williams' Carlos Sainz Jr. ahead of sprint qualifying REUTERS/Marco Bello
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 McLaren's Oscar Piastri during sprint qualifying REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Alpine's Pierre Gasly during sprint qualifying Pool via REUTERS/Lynne Sladky
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton during sprint qualifying Pool via REUTERS/Lynne Sladky
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli during sprint qualifying Pool via REUTERS/Lynne Sladky
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Mechanics work on the car of Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton during practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Alpine driver Pierre Gasly (10) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Cadillac-Ferrari driver Sergio Perez (11) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Alpine driver Pierre Gasly (10) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (16) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026 at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton (44) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (3) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; McLaren driver Lando Norris (1) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026 at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Alpine driver Pierre Gasly (10) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026 at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton (44) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026 at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton (44) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026 at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton (44) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026 at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; McLaren driver Oscar Piastri (81) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (16) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026 at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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May 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton (44) during day one of practice before the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026 at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Red Bull's Max Verstappen during practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Red Bull's Max Verstappen during practice REUTERS/Marco Bello TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Red Bull's Isack Hadjar during practice REUTERS/Marco Bello
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton during practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Ferrari's Charles Leclerc during practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton during practice REUTERS/Marco Bello
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Ferrari's Charles Leclerc pits during practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 General view of a Miami graphic on the floor of the pit lane during practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton during practice REUTERS/Marco Bello
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso during practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton during practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 McLaren's Oscar Piastri during practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Aston Martin's Lance Stroll during practice REUTERS/Marco Bello
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Red Bull's Isack Hadjar during practice REUTERS/Marco Bello
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Haas' Oliver Bearman during practice REUTERS/Marco Bello
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 McLaren's Oscar Piastri during practice REUTERS/Marco Bello
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Jimmy Fallon with Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 McLaren's Lando Norris during practice REUTERS/Marco Bello
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Ferrari's Charles Leclerc ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Mercedes' George Russell ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Former tennis player Serena Williams ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Former tennis player Serena Williams ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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Formula One F1 - Miami Grand Prix - Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, United States - May 1, 2026 Jimmy Fallon with Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
F1 Miami Grand Prix: Take a hot lap at 166 mph (and no turn signals)
“For me, it’s been two things, for sure the car has not been great and also from my side I never felt comfortable with the layout of the car,’’ Verstappen said. “I think over the past two weeks the team has been pushing flat out to bring upgrades to the car and making me feel more comfortable with a lot of things in the car and it really pays off.
“I feel more in control of the car again and then I can push a little more. To be on the front row is way better than I expected heading into this weekend.
“Let’s first start with a good start, I’ve not had a lot of them this year. We’ll see what the weather will do tomorrow but I’m already very happy with where we are. From here there is light at the end of the tunnel to push on and close the gap further.”
Reigning world champion, McLaren’s Lando Norris – who scored his first career F1 victory in Miami in 2024 – will roll off fourth on the grid. He won Saturday afternoon’s 19-lap Sprint Race here leading every lap.
Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (left), Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli (center) and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (16) pose for a photo after finishing the qualifying session for the F1 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome.
Antonelli’s Mercedes teammate George Russell was fifth fastest on the grid and will start alongside seven-time F1 champion, Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton. Defending Miami race winner, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was seventh quickest in qualifying.
The Cadillac F1 team – in its debut season on the grid – struggled some in qualifying, neither driver advancing out of the first round. Valterri Bottas and Sergio Perez will start 20th and 21st on the 22-car grid.
There is a chance of rain for Sunday’s 4 p.m. lights out start and the sanctioning body announced mid-afternoon Saturday it would allow teams to work on their cars post-qualifying.
“It could be quite slippery,’’ Verstappen said. “It’s quite a handful and won’t be easy but let’s wait and see how much water comes down.’’
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Kimi Antonelli on pole for Miami F1 Grand Prix