Result Sprint Qualifying Miami: Verstappen hits first with sprint pole

The starting grid for the sprint race is clear. On the circuit around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, the sprint pole was just taken by Max Verstappen. Behind him, the second fastest time of the Sprint Qualifying went to Charles Leclerc. The top three was completed by Sergio Perez.

SQ1

The first qualifying section started quietly. Only Charles Leclerc, who had barely made any meters in FP1, came straight onto the asphalt. Dd Monegask almost lost his chances, because he almost lost control of the car in the turn.

Shortly after Leclerc, almost all other drivers entered the track. Many of them showed great things, but that was not the case for Logan Sargeant. The American is riding his home race, but he is under great pressure. He was disappointed with himself and lost weight. Valtteri Bottas also found his waterloo, although he almost took Oscar Piastri with him. The Finn was not looking in his mirrors and he hit the sidepod of the McLaren. It earns Bottas a trip to the stewards. In addition to Bottas and Sargeant, Pierre Gasly, Guanyu Zhou and Alexander Albon were also dropped.

SQ2

The start of the second part of the sprint qualifying was very busy. Only Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda did not immediately enter the track. Red Bull chose to give Verstappen just one run, and he took that assignment with both hands. He moved on to the third part with playful ease.

The Mercedes did drop out. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell were both not fast enough. Hamilton was disappointed, because during his fast lap he also hit the wall. The fastest time was recorded by Lando Norris, who drives a heavily updated car. In addition to the Mercedes drivers, Esteban Ocon, Kevin Magnussen and Yuki Tsunoda also dropped out.

SQ3

The third part of the sprint qualifying started very quietly. All ten remaining drivers only drove one run. After five minutes the show started. Max Verstappen again recorded a fast time, and no one can come close to that. This was striking, because the McLarens in particular looked very fast earlier in the session. However, things went wrong for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri on the soft tyres. Both drivers were unable to make any progress, and that was against expectations. Daniel Ricciardo left a good impression by recording the fourth (!) fastest time.