Sprint Qualifying for the Miami Grand Prix highlighted McLaren’s competitive pace, as Lando Norris secured pole position. However, Andrea Kimi Antonelli split the two McLarens, underlining that the fight at the front remained open.
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FP1 – Longer session gives first indications
FP1 in Miami lasted 90 minutes instead of the usual 60. This gave teams more time to work on setup and collect data before Sprint Qualifying.
Charles Leclerc finished the session in first place. Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri followed close behind.
The session ran without major problems, so most teams were able to complete their planned runs. Mercedes had a more difficult session, with limited running due to issues on the car.
SQ1 – Small differences decide early order
The first part of Sprint Qualifying was very close. Drivers had to manage traffic and timing, as the track improved with every lap.
Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren were again near the top. Many drivers were separated by only small gaps, so even a small mistake could mean elimination.
Out: Lawson, Ocon, Perez, Bottas, Alonso, Stroll
SQ2 – Top teams stay close
With the medium tyres again mandatory, SQ2 quickly became a closely fought 10-minute session as the field queued up in the pit lane and tried to hook up clean laps in improving track conditions.
The session remained competitive, with Leclerc, Piastri, Hamilton, Russell, Verstappen, Antonelli, and Norris all moving through. Mercedes showed improvement compared to FP1. There were no major surprises in this phase.
Out: Bortoleto, Hulkenberg, Bearman, Albon, Sainz, Lindblad
SQ3 – Norris takes pole
With the field reduced to a one-lap shootout on soft tyres, Sprint Qualifying 3 unfolded in the heat of the Miami International Autodrome, where evolving grip levels made timing everything.
Lando Norris delivered when it mattered most, producing a benchmark lap of 1:27.869 to secure Sprint pole. He was the only driver going under the 1:28 barrier.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli finished second. He ran very late in the session, when track grip improved due to more rubber on the surface. Oscar Piastri completed the top three, narrowly missing out on a front-row start but keeping McLaren firmly in control at the sharp end of the Sprint grid.
The full results of the sprint qualifying according to FIA.com:
