Kimi Antonelli delivered a standout performance at the Miami Grand Prix, securing pole position in qualifying and leading a strong comeback for Mercedes after a disappointing sprint race earlier in the day.
The championship leader clocked a fastest lap of 1:28.653 at the Miami International Autodrome, edging out Max Verstappen to claim his third consecutive pole position this season. The result denied the Red Bull driver a third straight pole at the Miami circuit.
Mercedes has been dominant throughout the campaign, with George Russell and Antonelli sharing early-season victories from pole. However, both drivers struggled in the sprint race, prompting concerns from team principal Toto Wolff that the team’s recent upgrades had not matched rivals.
Antonelli quickly silenced those doubts with a composed and precise qualifying run, describing the turnaround as a “recovery” after a difficult start to the day.
Verstappen, meanwhile, delivered his strongest qualifying performance of the season, securing a front-row start as Red Bull showed signs of improvement following recent upgrades. The four-time world champion expressed renewed confidence in his car after a challenging بداية to the year.
Behind the front row, Charles Leclerc qualified third for Ferrari, while Lando Norris, the reigning world champion and defending Miami race winner, took fourth for McLaren after winning the sprint race earlier.
Russell completed the top five, followed by Lewis Hamilton in sixth and Oscar Piastri in seventh.
Further down the grid, new entrants Cadillac endured a tough outing in their first U.S. race, with both drivers failing to progress beyond the opening qualifying round despite significant upgrades.
Looking ahead, race organizers are monitoring weather conditions closely, with heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast for Sunday. Safety protocols may lead to schedule adjustments, as lightning risks could impact race operations, including the availability of emergency medical helicopters.
With momentum shifting and unpredictable weather looming, the stage is set for a dramatic Miami Grand Prix showdown.
