Formula 1 returns after a long break with action at the Miami Grand Prix. The qualifying session set the starting grid, where the standout performer was Kimi Antonelli, who took pole position. Behind him will start Max Verstappen with Red Bull, while Charles Leclerc placed Ferrari in third position.

The break gave all teams time to recover ground and better understand their cars under the new regulations. Max Verstappen once again showed strong pace and was extremely fast on the American track with his Red Bull, saying the upgrades have made him feel much more comfortable.

Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren in the Fight

Mercedes remains a step ahead and proved it again with the performance of Kimi Antonelli, whose car continues to look dominant on track. The young driver secured his third consecutive pole position, after also achieving it in Japan and China, races he went on to win.

Ferrari also showed clear signs of improvement. From the sprint onwards they looked more competitive, and Charles Leclerc took advantage of the car’s upgrades to finish in third place, after several difficult rounds for the Italian team. The Monegasque driver noted that, although they were not the fastest, the car responded well and could perform even better in Sunday’s conditions, where rain is expected to play a major role.

McLaren was the best team in the sprint. Lando Norris won the short race, while Oscar Piastri finished second, securing an important 1-2 finish. Both drivers stated that the car feels much stronger than at the start of the season and that the work done during the break has paid off.

Red Bull and the Rest of the Grid

George Russell, who had impressed in Australia, has not found the same consistency. He finished fifth in qualifying and fourth in the sprint, unable to match the pace of his teammate Kimi Antonelli, who currently looks dominant in the category.

Weather will also be a key factor. Rain and even thunderstorms are forecast for Sunday’s race, which could completely change tyre strategy. Dry conditions saw hard compounds used in Miami, but intermediates or full wet tyres could come into play during the race.

Dry running favors pure speed, but rain can change everything. This could challenge Kimi Antonelli, who has excelled in qualifying pace, and benefit Max Verstappen, known for his strength in tricky conditions. However, it is worth remembering that in Melbourne, Antonelli was the only rookie able to finish a race in torrential rain.

Miami GP Starting Grid

1. Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes
   2. Max Verstappen – Red Bull
   3. Charles Leclerc – Ferrari
   4. Lando Norris – McLaren
   5. George Russell – Mercedes
   6. Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari
   7. Oscar Piastri – McLaren
   8. Franco Colapinto – Alpine
   9. Isack Hadjar – Red Bull
   10. Pierre Gasly – Alpine

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