Miami Grand Prix qualifying results 2026

The Miami Grand Prix qualifying session delivered intense competition as rising talent Kimi Antonelli secured pole position with a sharp final lap. He edged out defending champion Max Verstappen and a resurgent Red Bull team by a narrow margin, setting up a thrilling front-row battle for Sunday’s race.

However, the action extended beyond the track. After qualifying ended, the FIA, Formula 1 officials, and the Miami race promoter jointly decided to move the race start forward from 4:00 PM to 1:00 PM local time. They made this decision after weather forecasts predicted severe thunderstorms in the afternoon. The revised schedule shifts the start to 6:00 PM BST and aims to protect drivers, teams, and fans while ensuring the race finishes safely.

Antonelli Extends Dominance with Third Straight Pole

Kimi Antonelli continued his impressive run by securing his third consecutive pole position. He produced a commanding lap time of 1:27.798 and controlled the final sector to stay ahead of strong competition.

His Mercedes teammate George Russell finished fifth, four-tenths behind Antonelli, highlighting a clear performance gap within the team during qualifying.

Antonelli credited ongoing development battles across the grid and emphasized that teams must keep improving under the current regulations to stay competitive.

Verstappen and Red Bull Respond Strongly

Max Verstappen delivered one of his strongest qualifying performances of the season and secured second place on the grid. Red Bull introduced major upgrades in Miami, and those changes significantly improved the car’s handling and balance.

Verstappen reported increased confidence in the car and explained that he now feels fully in control rather than struggling with unpredictable performance. His strong lap confirmed that Red Bull has closed the gap to Mercedes after earlier struggles in the season.

McLaren and Ferrari Stay Competitive but Fall Short

McLaren and Ferrari both showed strong pace but failed to match the top two teams.

Lando Norris qualified fourth after winning the sprint race earlier in the weekend alongside teammate Oscar Piastri, who started seventh.

Ferrari also remained in contention, with Charles Leclerc securing third place and Lewis Hamilton finishing sixth. Although both drivers pushed hard, they could not match Antonelli’s final-sector pace.

The close gaps between teams show how recent upgrades from McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes have tightened the competitive order.

Sprint Race Momentum Shifts the Narrative

McLaren dominated the sprint race earlier in the weekend, but qualifying shifted momentum back toward Mercedes. Antonelli’s performance reaffirmed the team’s strength in single-lap pace even as rivals continue to close the gap.

The championship battle remains tight, with Antonelli leading teammate Russell by seven points. Every session now carries significant weight as teams fight for both race wins and development advantages.

Severe Weather Forces Strategic Race Time Change

Race officials reacted quickly to updated weather forecasts that warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms in Miami during the afternoon. The FIA confirmed that lightning in the area could force race suspension under safety regulations.

To avoid disruption, Formula 1 moved the race start to an earlier time. Officials stated that the change increases the chance of completing the Grand Prix under safer conditions while reducing the risk of weather-related interruptions.

The earlier start may also introduce unpredictable race conditions if rain arrives during the event, potentially turning the Miami Grand Prix into a wet-weather challenge.

A High-Stakes Battle Awaits in Miami

The Miami Grand Prix sets up a dramatic showdown with Kimi Antonelli on pole, Max Verstappen in strong form, and McLaren and Ferrari closely behind.

With weather uncertainty, aggressive upgrades, and a tightly packed field, the race promises unpredictable action under the governance of the Formula 1 championship.

Fans should expect strategy, timing, and adaptability to play a decisive role in the outcome.