F1 MIAMI GRAND PRIX - LATEST UPDATES
- Kimi Antonelli wins the Miami GP; Norris 2nd; Piastri 3rd
- Antonelli extends his lead in the world championship to George Russell to 20 points
- NEW: Charles Leclerc penalised post-race
- Antonelli started on pole in Miami; Verstappen 2nd; Leclerc 3rd
NEW: Charles Leclerc receives 20-second penalty
22:40 , Kieran JacksonAs a result of cutting the chicanes on the final lap, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has received the equivalent of a drive-through penalty, which is 20 seconds added onto his overall race time.
That drops him from sixth to eighth.
DOC 97 - Infringement - Car 16 - Leaving the track multiple times and driving in an unsafe condition https://t.co/nVLPv627jK #MiamiGP #F1 #FIA pic.twitter.com/dkKeUw6JAS
— FIA (@fia) May 3, 2026
Max Verstappen, who finished P5:
23:59 , Kieran Jackson"I lost the rear [at the start] and tried to minimise the time loss. Early on, the hard tyre didn’t work for us, it was tough. We dropped quite heavily.
"Maybe I could’ve been in the place Oscar finished if we did enough. It’s always easy to say that afterwards. Unfortunately we are still lacking a bit, we’ll be better.
"I don’t know how much more pace there is. It was tough but don't think I could've fought for the win. We have improved a lot this weekend but still lack a bit for sure there's more pace to unlock."
Antonelli embraced after his win
23:00 , Kieran JacksonHugs all-round following the chaos in Miami! 🤗🙌 #F1 #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/6RDvyjgGVz
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 3, 2026
FIA statement on Leclerc's penalty
22:55 , Kieran Jackson“The driver informed us that the car appeared fine save that the car would not negotiate the righthand corners properly.
“Given this problem, he was forced to cut chicanes on the way to the chequered flag. We determined that the fact that he had to cut the chicanes (i.e. to leave the track) meant that he gained a lasting advantage by leaving the track in that manner.
“The fact that he had a mechanical issue of some sort did not amount to a justifiable reason. We accordingly impose a Drive Through penalty on Car 16, given the number of times the car left the track and gained an advantage.
“We also considered whether there was an additional breach in continuing to drive a car with an obvious and discernible mechanical issue. We determined that there was no evidence of there being an obvious of discernible mechanical issue. We therefore took no further action in relation to that potential infringement.”
George Russell, after finishing fourth:
21:36 , Kieran JacksonOn race: “Difficult race, the beginning felt OK, those early laps I was in the fight but the hard tyre was just nowhere.
“The last 10 laps were much more competitive, I made some big changes to my differentials and brake bias, much closer to what Kimi has been running, made a bigger impact than I thought - still not a good weekend, this place is a real tough one for me. The real test will come in the next few.”
On Kimi - have you underestimated him? “Not at all. He’s a fantastic driver and he’s been exceptionally quick since day 1, you don’t win all of the championships as a youngster if you don’t have the speed, but I’ve still got the confidence in myself, I’ve also been, I’ve not forgotten how to drive.
“It’s a tricky run, four races down, a long way to go and we’ll reassess things over the next few weeks.”
REPORT: Kimi Antonelli holds off Lando Norris to claim third straight F1 victory in Miami
21:20 , Kieran JacksonKimi Antonelli overcame a fierce battle with Lando Norris to clinch a third successive victory and extend his title lead as the Miami Grand Prix survived the weather.
The Italian ultimately got the jump on Norris at the pit-stops and fended off the reigning champion to stretch his advantage in the standings to 20 points from team-mate George Russell.
Kimi Antonelli holds off Lando Norris to claim third straight F1 victory in Miami
Oscar Piastri after finishing third:
20:58 , Kieran JacksonIt’s not been the most straightforward weekend; the pace seemed encouraging today. Very tricky around here, clearly we’re a step closer in performance.
“Nice to see.”
Lando Norris after finishing second:
20:40 , Kieran Jackson“A mixed bag, really. We got undercut, we should have boxed first. Hats off to Merc and Kimi.
“He didn’t make any mistakes, I have to be happy, I’m gutted to miss out on the win but not the pace to get past him.
“So and so. I still enjoyed the racing, some things have improved, some have stayed the same. It looked good. You still have to be tactical with how you use the battery. I have to be proud of everyone.”
Time for the podium!
20:23 , Kieran JacksonAnother proud moment for Kimi Antonelli - with his dad watching on - as he takes to the top step of the podium outside the Hard Rock Stadium.
Is he becoming the world championship favourite? His lead is now 20 points over Mercedes teammate George Russell.
Antonelli extends lead in the world championship
20:11 , Kieran Jackson1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 100 points
2. George Russell (Mercedes) - 80 points
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 63 points
4. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 51 points
5. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 49 points
6. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 43 points
7. Max Verstappen Red Bull) - 28 points
8. Ollie Bearman (Haas) - 17 points
9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) - 16 points
10. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) - 10 points
Kimi Antonelli after winning in Miami:
20:04 , Kieran Jackson“The pace was strong, I was able to stay close, we did a massive undercut and we managed to bring it home.
“This is just the beginning, the road is still long, we’re working super hard and the team did an incredible job. I’ll enjoy this one.”
TOP-10 IN MIAMI
19:50 , Kieran Jackson1. Kimi Antonelli - winner
2. Lando Norris +3.264
3. Oscar Piastri +27.092
4. George Russell +43.051
5. Max Verstappen +43.949
6. Charles Leclerc +44.245
7. Lewis Hamilton +53.753
8. Franco Colapinto +61.871
9. Carlos Sainz +82.072
10. Alex Albon +90.972
Kimi Antonelli wins the Miami Grand Prix
19:41 , Kieran JacksonA storming drive from Antonelli, who wins in Miami!
Lando Norris takes second with Oscar Piastri in third.
And massive drama on the final lap! Leclerc lost two spots in the final two corners, as Russell took fourth and Verstappen fifth!
Verstappen took fifth right on the finish line from Leclerc, who has to settle for sixth with a slow Ferrari.
7-10: Hamilton, Colapinto, Sainz, Albon
Leclerc spins (Lap 57/57)
19:37 , Kieran JacksonLeclerc loses control from fourth - but somehow keeps it on the track after a spin!
Does he have an issue? Can he get it home?
Piastri gets third from Leclerc (Lap 56/57)
19:36 , Kieran JacksonPiastri on the verge of a podium place - can he make a move on Leclerc?!
He can! He’s up to third!
Russell has an issue (Lap 55/57)
19:35 , Kieran JacksonDid Russell hit Verstappen’s tyre?
The Dutchman defends his place well but Russell’s front-wing is now clipping the road.
Nonetheless, Russell takes fifth before losing the place to Verstappen coming out of turn 17.
Drama at the end here...
Russell on Verstappen's gearbox (Lap 53/57)
19:33 , Kieran JacksonRussell closing in on his arch rival, whose tyres are dropping off.
Antonelli, meanwhile, comfortable with a 2.5-second lead over Norris.
Piastri passes Verstappen (Lap 48/57)
19:28 , Kieran JacksonVerstappen is struggling with his tyres now. Piastri smoothly gets past on the back straight.
Antonelli, meanwhile, is up to a 2-second lead on Norris in second.
Is the Italian teen heading for his third successive victory here? Looks that way.
Leclerc and Verstappen battle (Lap 47/57)
19:22 , Kieran JacksonThe Monegasque - with fresher tyres - makes the move on the home straight before Verstappen waltzes back past in sector one.
However, Leclerc then overtakes again at the end of the sector one straight.
Job done. Leclerc up to third.
TOP-10 AFTER 45 LAPS
19:17 , Kieran Jackson1. Kimi Antonelli
2. Lando Norrs
3. Max Verstappen
4. Charles Leclerc
5. Oscar Piastri
6. George Russell
7. Lewis Hamilton
8. Franco Colapinto
9. Carlos Sainz
10. Alex Albon
Norris chasing Antonelli (Lap 42/57)
19:15 , Kieran JacksonAntonelli doing well here to stave off Norris, who is now 1.3 seconds behind.
Russell: “I’m just 4-wheel sliding everywhere, feels awful.” Russell is sixth - well off his teammate.
As for rain? No sign yet. Perhaps it’s not coming after all!
Kimi Antonelli on team radio: (Lap 38/57)
19:07 , Kieran Jackson“My rears are gone now, they’re dropping quite a bit.”
Norris is still within a second - can the Italian hold off the Brit?
Russell and Piastri yo-yo (Lap 35/57)
19:05 , Kieran JacksonWhile Piastri takes fifth place from Russell at turn 1, the Mercedes man takes the spot back at turn 11!
Then, Piastri has superior speed on Russell down the back straight - and now the Australian does keep fourth!
Norris closing on Antonelli (Lap 34/57)
19:01 , Kieran JacksonAntonelli is complaining about his gearbox and Norris is back within one second.
Piastri, meanwhile, in sixth, is right on the back of Russell in fifth.
Franco Colapinto pits and is down to eighth now...
Top-10 after 30 laps
18:56 , Kieran Jackson1. Kimi Antonelli
2. Lando Norris
3. Max Verstappen
4. Franco Colapinto
5. Charles Leclerc
6. George Russell
7. Oscar Piastri
8. Lewis Hamilton
9. Esteban Ocon
10. Gabriel Bortoleto
Antonelli retakes the lead (Lap 29/57)
18:55 , Kieran JacksonAfter Piastri pits, there’s simply too much speed for Verstappen to deal with from the Mercedes man Antonelli, who takes the lead at turn 11!
Verstappen then drops down to third as Norris uses his fresh tyres to pass the Red Bull down the back straight.
All change at the front!
Norris pits (Lap 27/57)
18:52 , Kieran JacksonA quick 2.8-second stop for the leader - and Norris comes out just a smidge behind Antonelli!
That was critical!
Piastri in the lead on the road now, having not pitted.
Hamilton has also pitted.
Verstappen passes Hamilton (Lap 27/57)
18:50 , Kieran JacksonLike a throwback to 2021 here, as Verstappen battles with Hamilton and then gets it done down the inside at turn 17!
Meanwhile, Antonelli has gone into the pits and drops to fifth, behind Verstappen and Hamilton.
When will Norris dive in?
Rain incoming (Lap 25/57)
18:48 , Kieran JacksonNorris: “Quite a few spots of rain.”
Could this change proceedings now?
Norris has a 2.2-second lead now at the front to Antonelli, who is 10 seconds clear of Piastri.
4-10: Hamilton, Verstappen, Colapinto, Sainz, Russell, Leclerc, Albon
Leclerc radio:
18:43 , Kieran Jackson“Why did we stop? When is the rain?”
“Next time you make a decision, please speak with me as well.”
No response. Ferrari botching a strategy?! Surely not...
Leclerc pits (Lap 22/57)
18:42 , Kieran JacksonNot good for the Ferrari man!
He pits from third - a slow 3.7-second stop - and Leclerc is now out behind Russell, who just pitted.
Ah, Ferrari...
Russell pits (Lap 21/57)
18:41 , Kieran JacksonA quick stop, sub-3 seconds, for Russell, and he comes out in 12th.
Mercedes make a move with one of their drivers, then.
Out in front, Norris has a 2.8-second lead to Antonelli, who had 4.9 seconds over Leclerc.
Verstappen to be investigated after the race (Lap 20/57)
18:39 , Kieran JacksonBit odd. His pit-exit line investigation will be looked at after the race.
Strange. Not helpful for post-race classification...
Top-10 after 18 laps
18:37 , Kieran Jackson1. Lando Norris
2. Kimi Antonelli
3. Charles Leclerc
4. Oscar Piastri
5. George Russell
6. Lewis Hamilton
7. Franco Colapinto
8. Max Verstappen
9. Carlos Sainz
10. Alex Albon
Verstappen under investigation (Lap 17/57)
18:35 , Kieran JacksonVerstappen is being looked at by the stewards for crossing the pit-exit line too quick after the safety car.
He’s storming up the field from 15th after his change of tyres - he’s now ninth.
Further up, Norris’s lead is 2.2 seconds to Antonelli, while Piastri briefly took third from Leclerc before the Ferrari took it back.
Lando Norris takes the lead (Lap 13/57)
18:30 , Kieran JacksonSuper move from Lando Norris!
The McLaren takes P1 in sector one - just so much more speed!
Then Leclerc is under pressure from Antonelli for second - the pair yo-yo and Antonelli comes out in second!
Leclerc keeps lead at start (Lap 12/57)
18:28 , Kieran JacksonA smooth enough get-away from the Ferrari man, who retains P1.
A bit further back, Oscar Piastri stole a march on George Russell and is up to fourth.
Safety car in at the end of this lap (Lap 11/57)
18:24 , Kieran JacksonA long safety car period here now, coming up to 5 laps, as they clear two cars from the grid.
Hulkenberg, incidentally, is also out of this race for Audi.
We also expect a burst of rain expected in 20 minutes...
Gasly's crash (Lap 7/57)
18:18 , Kieran JacksonTell you what, it’s a full-flip for Gasly in the Alpine.
He’s caught by Lawson at turn 17 and fully flips over and into the wall!
So Lawson, Gasly and Hadjar are out.
Gosh.
Hadjar fuming (Lap 7/57)
18:16 , Kieran JacksonHadjar is absolutely raging inside his cockpit, constantly slamming his steering wheel in frustration.
Amid the safety car period, Red Bull have told Max Verstappen to come into the pits. He switches to hards.
Hadjar and Gasly crashes (Lap 6/57)
18:13 , Kieran JacksonHadjar is in the wall! And Gasly’s car is in the tyre barrier!
SAFETY CAR!
Just before that, Leclerc re-took first place from Antonelli - and then Norris took second from the Italian.
Antonelli passes Leclerc (Lap 4/57)
18:11 , Kieran JacksonSuperior straight-line speed for the Mercedes driver as he takes first place down the inside at turn 17 from Leclerc!
Antonelli back into the lead!
3-10: Norris, Russell, Piastri, Hamilton, Colapinto, Verstappen, Albon, Lawson
Verstappen in eighth (Lap 3/57)
18:08 , Kieran JacksonHell of a first lap for Verstappen!
He spun at turn 2 and after dropping back to 10th, went ultra-aggressive over Sainz and Lawson to get up to eighth.
Further up, Russell has made a move on Piastri on the home straight - he’s up to fourth.
Verstappen spins at start
18:06 , Kieran JacksonDrama at the start!
Verstappen and Leclerc start brilliantly but while the Dutchman and Antonelli locked up at the start, Leclerc storms through to first!
And Verstappen spins at turn 2 - and has dropped down the order to 10th!
Formation lap
18:01 , Kieran JacksonAntonelli leads the pack around for the formation lap, then.
Every car on the grid is on mediums other than Isack Hadjar in the pit-lane, on hards.
So - who will get a good launch at the start here?!
Miami Grand Prix
17:55 , Kieran JacksonRight then Miami, what have you got for us?
For all the talk about rain, it’s dry for now on the grid and the pack will start on slick tyres. But how quickly will it all change?
Kimi Antonelli is on pole but he’s had a series of bad starts this season - so can Max Verstappen in P2 take advantage? And what about Charles Leclerc (third) and Lando Norris (fourth)?
This should be a fun one!
Lando Norris, who starts fourth:
17:52 , Kieran Jackson“Miami is always quite unpredictable. Could be a dry start, after that who knows, it’ll be a game of anticipation all race.
“A dry start so bit more straightforward for the time being.”
Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who starts P2:
17:49 , Kieran Jackson“It’s pretty dry, some wet spots, should be OK.
“The more we wait, the more rain is coming. The lightning in the area is the issue.
“These cars don’t have a lot of grip in the wet.”
Time for the US national anthem
17:46 , Kieran JacksonStar Spangled Banner sung by Alexandria Arango on the Miami grid.
Audi's Nico Hulkenberg, who starts P10:
17:44 , Kieran Jackson“We’ll try to turn around, bit of a curveball with the weather, might even see a dry race, who knows.
“We’ll take it as it comes and make the most of it.”
McLaren CEO Zak Brown:
17:41 , Kieran Jackson“We didn’t get it right in qualifying. A lot of little issues, we’ll go for it in the race.
“If the rain comes, it’ll come pretty hard. We have to figure out if we’ll play the long game or not.”
A reminder of the starting grid for Miami:
17:39 , Kieran Jackson1. Kimi Antonelli
2. Max Verstappen
3. Charles Leclerc
4. Lando Norris
5. George Russell
6. Lewis Hamilton
7. Oscar Piastri
8. Franco Colapinto
9 Pierre Gasly
10. Nico Hulkenberg
11. Liam Lawson
12. Ollie Bearman
13. Carlos Sainz
14. Esteban Ocon
15. Alex Albon
16. Arvid Lindblad
17. Fernando Alonso
18. Lance Stroll
19. Sergio Perez
20. Valtteri Bottas
21. Gabriel Bortoleto
Pit lane. Isack Hadjar*
*Hadjar, who qualified P9, was disqualified from qualifying due to a technical infringement
Lionel Messi at the race
17:35 , Kieran JacksonThe Inter Miami captain is in town!
Driver standings ahead of Miami GP:
17:30 , Kieran Jackson1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 75 points
2. George Russell (Mercedes) - 68 points
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 55 points
4. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 43 points
5. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 33 points
6. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) -28 points
7. Ollie Bearman (Haas) - 17 points
8. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) - 16 points
9. Max Verstappen Red Bull) - 16 points
10. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) - 10 points
11. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) - 4 points
12. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) - 4 points
13. Carlos Sainz (Williams) - 2 points
14. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) - 2 points
15. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) - 1 point
16. Esteban Ocon (Haas) - 1 point
17. Alex Albon (Williams) - 0 points
18. Sergio Perez (Cadillac) - 0 points
19. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) - 0 points
20. Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) - 0 points
21. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) - 0 points
22. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) - 0 points
FIA STATEMENT ON WEATHER
17:25 , Kieran Jackson“Numerous episodes of rain and thunderstorms are expected at the circuit today as a front stalls over south Florida.
The increased humidity and unstable conditions south of the front will also favour efficient rainfall rates and heavy downpours within any shower or storms.
The initial round is currently working its way through the area and should depart the circuit by 10-11am. The expectation remains that there will be a relative “lull” in activity through midday, although an isolated shower or storm cannot be ruled out through to 2pm.
Chances then increase again during the mid to late afternoon hours with redevelopment initially occurring to the west before activity spreads eastward toward the circuit.”
Can Lando Norris defend his F1 title? Here’s what the Miami GP will tell us about McLaren’s chances
17:18 , Kieran JacksonOn the face of it, McLaren’s latest example of sporting-corporate muscle-flexing seems a tad peculiar. Drifting away from the principles of their racing-mad founding father, quite what Bruce McLaren would have made of the papaya-clad outfit expanding into golf equipment – with Justin Rose their top-tier signing, posing alongside Lando Norris (himself a keen golfer) at a lavish Floridian launch on Wednesday – remains to be seen.
Yet group CEO Zak Brown has overseen remarkable growth in the last half-dozen years. In 2020, McLaren Racing were valued at £560m. Last September, Forbes estimated the team alone were worth approximately £4bn, behind only Mercedes and Ferrari in F1 terms. They have well over 50 sponsors, most adorned on the car of the reigning world champions.
And, despite a topsy-turvy start on the Formula 1 racetrack this season, they’re hungry for more.
Full piece below:
Can Lando Norris defend his F1 title? Here’s what the Miami GP will reveal
Alex Zanardi dies aged 59
17:06 , Kieran JacksonSome very sad news reached us on Friday, with the statement that ex-F1 driver Alex Zanardi has passed away at the age of 59 after a remarkable life.
Zanardi competed in Formula One for five seasons, achieving a best finish of sixth at the 1993 Brazilian Grand Prix. A major crash in 2001 resulted in the amputation of both his legs, a life-altering event he remarkably overcame.
He went on to become a Paralympic champion, securing two para-cycling gold medals at the London Games in 2012, and two more in Rio de Janeiro four years later. A multiple winner at the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships, most recently in 2019, another serious accident in 2020 led to a further lengthy lay-off.
More info below:
Alex Zanardi dead: Tributes to F1 driver and four-time Paralympic gold-medallist
Constructor standings ahead of Miami GP:
17:01 , Kieran Jackson1. Mercedes - 143 points
2. Ferrari - 98 points
3. McLaren - 61 points
4. Red Bull - 20 points
5. Haas - 18 points
6. Alpine - 17 points
7. Racing Bulls - 14 points
8. Audi - 2 points
9. Williams - 2 points
10. Cadillac - 0 points
11. Aston Martin - 0 points
Charles Leclerc, who qualified third for Ferrari:
16:52 , Kieran Jackson“It was on the limit. We were just not fast enough and this weekend we brought a significant package but we still need to improve a bit.
“Tricky qualifying, wind was changing, P3 is a good starting position.”
Full starting grid for Miami:
16:43 , Kieran Jackson1. Kimi Antonelli
2. Max Verstappen
3. Charles Leclerc
4. Lando Norris
5. George Russell
6. Lewis Hamilton
7. Oscar Piastri
8. Franco Colapinto
9 Pierre Gasly
10. Nico Hulkenberg
11. Liam Lawson
12. Ollie Bearman
13. Carlos Sainz
14. Esteban Ocon
15. Alex Albon
16. Arvid Lindblad
17. Fernando Alonso
18. Lance Stroll
19. Sergio Perez
20. Valtteri Bottas
21. Gabriel Bortoleto
22. Isack Hadjar*
*Hadjar, who qualified P9, was disqualified from qualifying due to a technical infringement
Hadar starts from back after qualifying disqualification
16:36 , Kieran JacksonReason: “found that a small section of the left and right hand sides floorboard on his car were protruding out of the reference volume.”
Hadjar had qualified ninth, meaning each driver behind him gains a place. The Red Bull man will start from P22.
Oscar Piastri, who qualified 7th:
16:30 , Kieran Jackson“It was a bit tough. It was very variable – wind, track conditions, power unit. It was all a bit random, not the smoothest of sessions, especially the last Q3 lap. Something weird happened, I lost a whole bunch of time with a super-clip and then had more energy.
On race: “Build some oars! We’ll see what we get, if it’s wet, that’ll throw a lot of spanners in the works. Hopefully we’re on the right side of that.”
Lewis Hamilton, who will start P6:
16:15 , Kieran Jackson“The car was much better in qualifying. We changed the car, it was much happier, wish I started the weekend with that balance, felt good in Q2 but in Q3 just couldn’t extract the performance.
“Clearly the other teams are doing different things with their car in terms of development. I know there’s more to come, we’re still losing a bit on the straights. I feel like we took a step forward, it doesn’t show in my result but I’m optimistic for tomorrow.”
Lando Norris, who qualified fourth:
16:00 , Kieran Jackson“I think both cars struggled more than yesterday, we need to understand why. Other people did a bad job yesterday but today they did the job they should have done.
“Today was just a reality check; it’s where we deserve to be.”
On the race: “We’ll see, Ferraris have the best start.It will be a challenge for everyone, opportunities and a chance to go forward. Kimi should clear off.”
NEW: F1 statement
15:30 , Kieran Jackson“Following discussions between FIA, FOM and the Miami promoter, the decision has been taken to move the start of Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix to 13:00 local time in Miami due to the weather forecast that is expected to bring heavier rainstorms later in the afternoon close to the original planned race start time.
“This decision has been taken to ensure the least amount of disruption to the race, and to ensure the maximum possible window to complete the Grand Prix in the best conditions and to prioritise the safety of drivers, fans, teams and staff.”
Max Verstappen after an impressive P2 for Red Bull:
15:00 , Kieran Jackson“It’s been two things: the car has not been great in the previous races and I’ve not felt comfortable. But the work has really paid off.
“I feel in control of the car again, to be on the front row is way better than I expected heading into this weekend.”
Kimi Antonelli after claiming pole:
14:00 , Kieran Jackson“An amazing day to be on pole again. Super happy with the recovery, it was a good quali, the first lap was good enough.
“I was very stressed, I was just waiting for everyone to finish their laps, very happy with that. Hopefully the magic one [start] will come tomorrow, hopefully won’t lose any positions.
“We’re maximising the performance, so very happy with that.”
Lewis Hamilton pays warm tribute to ‘remarkable inspiration’ Alex Zanardi
13:00 , Kieran JacksonAt this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix. seven-time F1 world champion Hamilton told Sky Sports: “Sad to hear of his passing. He was remarkable, a really lovely guy.
“And then with his resilience, the way he came back, how he always maintained a positive mental attitude. An inspiration to so many and he did things the right way.”
QUALIFYING REPORT: Kimi Antonelli claims Miami GP pole ahead of impressive Max Verstappen
12:00 , Kieran JacksonChampionship leader Kimi Antonelli bounced back from a troubled sprint by storming to pole position for Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix.
The 19-year-old continued Mercedes’ lockout of full qualifying poles so far this season – with Lando Norris’ sprint pole on Friday the only time their grip has been broken.
Kimi Antonelli claims Miami GP pole ahead of impressive Max Verstappen
Valtteri Bottas reveals how he ‘starved himself’ at start of F1 career in vulnerable letter
11:00 , Kieran JacksonValtteri Bottas has opened up about his F1 career in a vulnerable letter online, revealing he starved himself during his time at Williams to alleviate weight concerns with the team’s car.
The popular Finnish driver, 36, has returned to the grid this year after a year out with Cadillac, F1’s newest team. The 2026 campaign is Bottas’s 13th in Formula 1.
The 36-year-old started his career with Williams in 2013 before moving to Mercedes in 2017, where he partnered Lewis Hamilton amid a period of all-out dominance for the Silver Arrows. He then concluded his first stint in the sport with three seasons at Alfa Romeo/Sauber from 2022 to 2024.
Bottas impressed in his early years, quickly registering podiums for Williams but in a letter for The Players’ Tribune released on Wednesday, the Finn has revealed his extreme and dangerous approach to improving performance at the start of his second season in 2014.
Full story below:
Bottas reveals how he ‘starved himself’ at start of F1 career in vulnerable letter
Lewis Hamilton 'fired up' ahead of Miami
08:00 , Kieran Jackson"Everyone's had a chance to go over what happened in the first three races.
"Everyone's had more of an intense time to work on refining the car.
"Just feel fired up for the second stab at it."
F1 confirm change to Miami Grand Prix start time due to thunderstorm risk
07:25 , Kieran JacksonFormula 1 have decided to shift the start time for the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday to 6pm (BST) with wet weather on the radar.
While sunny conditions were overhead for action on Friday and Saturday at the Hard Rock Stadium, latest forecasts for Sunday show heavy thunderstorms hitting the Miami Gardens area.
Sunday’s grand prix was scheduled to start at 4pm local time (9pm BST), but the FIA have now moved it forward by three hours to 1pm local time (6pm BST), due to “the weather forecast that is expected to bring heavier rainstorms later in the afternoon close to the original planned race start time.”
More here:
F1 confirm change to Miami Grand Prix start time due to thunderstorm risk
Red Bull F1 chief speaks out on Max Verstappen’s future: ‘Absolutely not’
06:00 , Kieran JacksonRed Bull team principal Laurent Mekies insists the exit of key personnel will not accelerate Max Verstappen’s departure from the team.
“Absolutely not,” said Mekies, when asked if Lambiase’s departure, alongside other exits, would hasten his own star driver’s departure. “That’s my direct answer to you.
“Obviously, we speak with Max every day. And Max knows motorsport upside-down. He’s living and breathing this team.”
George Russell not worried about trailing early in F1 title battle
04:00 , Kieran Jackson“Nobody remembers who leads the standings for the longest time,” Russell said. “It’s about crossing the line first at the end.”
Simple mentality, then, from Russell heading into round four.
What time is the Miami Grand Prix?
Saturday 2 May 2026 22:35 , Kieran JacksonAfter confirmation from the FIA, the race will now start at 6pm (BST).
This is due to “the weather forecast that is expected to bring heavier rainstorms later in the afternoon close to the original planned race start time.”
TOP-10 IN MIAMI GP QUALIFYING:
Saturday 2 May 2026 22:24 , Kieran Jackson1. Kimi Antonelli
2. Max Verstappen
3. Charles Leclerc
4. Lando Norris
5. George Russell
6. Lewis Hamilton
7. Oscar Piastri
8. Franco Colapinto
9. Isack Hadjar
10. Pierre Gasly
Kimi Antonelli on pole position in Miami
Saturday 2 May 2026 22:08 , Kieran JacksonAntonelli’s first lap does it!
He takes by pole by 0.166 secs to Max Verstappen, who takes a season-best second for Red Bull.
Charles Leclerc takes third for Ferrari, with Lando Norris in fourth.
5-10: Russell, Hamilton, Piastri, Colapinto, Hadjar, Gasly
Kimi Antonelli on provisional pole
Saturday 2 May 2026 22:00 , Kieran JacksonBarnstorming first set of laps!
They go quicker and quicker - until Antonelli steals a march with a 1:27:7 - 0.345 secs ahead of Leclerc in second.
Verstappen is third and Norris is fourth, also three-tenths off, with Russell also within four-tenths in fifth.
6-10: Hamilton, Piastri, Colapinto, Hadjar, Gasly
Can anyone beat the teenager?
Q3 underway
Saturday 2 May 2026 21:53 , Kieran JacksonBig moments this in the weekend then - who will be on pole in Miami?
10 drivers involved: Norris, Piastri, Russell, Antonelli, Hamilton, Leclerc, Verstappen, Hadjar, Colapinto, Gasly
Lando Norris safe
Saturday 2 May 2026 21:50 , Kieran JacksonNorris safely through in P7 - Ollie Bearman is one man who doesn’t make it through, however.
Bottom-six and out in Q2 (11-16): Hulkenberg, Lawson, Bearman, Sainz, Ocon, Albon
Time for the top-10 shootout!
Norris only P9
Saturday 2 May 2026 21:42 , Kieran JacksonProblems for the reigning world champion - he only goes ninth-fastest.
Norris: “Why do I have no deployment out of 16?”
Engineer: “I think it’s more the wind.”
Current bottom-six (11-16): Lawson, Ocon, Hulkenberg, Bearman, Albon, Sainz
3:00 to go in Q2... it could all change.
Max Verstappen:
Saturday 2 May 2026 21:33 , Kieran Jackson“Mate these tyres are terrible, they have no grip.”
Still, P1 early on.
Q2 underway
Saturday 2 May 2026 21:30 , Kieran JacksonSlight delay before Q2 - due to clearing Bortoleto’s car from the track - and now we’re back in action.
15 minutes this time where, again, we’ll lose the slowest six before the top-10 shootout.
Bortoleto's car on fire
Saturday 2 May 2026 21:24 , Kieran JacksonBig problems down at Audi, with Bortoleto's second car to catch fire after Hulkenberg earlier in the day.
He stops at the end of the back straight, where the marshals extinguished the flames at the rear.
Oscar Piastri escapes
Saturday 2 May 2026 21:21 , Kieran JacksonOscar Piastri safe... but only in P16! By two-tenths... sketchy.
Usual suspects eliminated but, this time, Arvid Lindblad is in the Q1 elimination pack!
Bottom-six and out in Q1 (17-22): Lindblad, Alonso, Stroll, Perez, Bottas, Bortoleto
Top-3: Antonelli, Leclerc, Verstappen
Arvid Lindblad in drop-zone
Saturday 2 May 2026 21:14 , Kieran JacksonThe teenager in trouble as it stands, stranded in P17.
Current bottom-six (17-22): Lindblad, Alonso, Stroll, Perez, Bottas, Bortoleto
Alonso and Stroll are almost a second off P16, mind.
4:00 to go in Q1. Piastri (P11) and Russell (P12) will have to go again...
Alex Albon locks up
Saturday 2 May 2026 21:09 , Kieran JacksonBig lock up for Albon at turn 11 - lap ruined. Carlos Sainz also went off track at turn 1.
Problems remain for Williams.
Still plenty of cars yet to set a time with 10 mins left in Q1...
Q1 underway
Saturday 2 May 2026 21:03 , Kieran Jackson18 minutes for Q1 where we’ll lose the slowest six from the rest of qualifying.
Big moments this, given the rule change - who’s made a big jump?!
Qualifying coming up
Saturday 2 May 2026 20:54 , Kieran JacksonFeels very open this!
McLaren are the favourites after their strong form in the sprint, with Mercedes the pole men so far this season.
And what about Ferrari? Can Charles Leclerc or Lewis Hamilton get in the mix?
Antonelli's lead trimmed after penalty
Saturday 2 May 2026 20:44 , Kieran Jackson1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 75 points
2. George Russell (Mercedes) - 68 points
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 55 points
4. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 43 points
5. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 33 points
6. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) -28 points
7. Ollie Bearman (Haas) - 17 points
8. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) - 16 points
9. Max Verstappen Red Bull) - 16 points
10. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) - 10 points
FIA release statement with thunderstorms forecast for Miami Grand Prix
Saturday 2 May 2026 20:33 , Kieran JacksonF1’s governing body says they are “closely monitoring” the situation amid speculation Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix could be rescheduled due to thunderstorms.
An FIA spokesperson said on Thursday night: “We are closely monitoring the weather forecast for this weekend.
“Having faced a similar situation last year in Miami with threats of thunderstorms, we have a contingency plan in place and will activate it if needed to minimise disruption to the on-track programme.”
Full story below:
FIA release statement with thunderstorms forecast for F1’s Miami Grand Prix
Max Verstappen says little has changed and wants more than a ‘tickle’ of rules
Saturday 2 May 2026 20:23 , Kieran Jackson“We had some nice meetings with Formula One and the FIA,” Verstappen said on Thursday.
“I think that’s probably a starting point, hopefully, for the future.
“Even, you know, in a few years’ time, when maybe I’m not here anymore, I really hope that for the future drivers as well, there’s more input to come from the drivers to the organisers in general.
“Because I do think that most of the drivers have a good understanding and a good feel of what is needed to make Formula One a good product, a fun product.”
Max Verstappen after finishing fifth in the sprint:
Saturday 2 May 2026 19:45 , Kieran Jackson“The start was again not good, similar to China. In clean air, the car felt not too bad, the pace was alright, there’s still a lot of room to improvement. In slow-speed corners, the car is jumping a lot.
On Hamilton clash: “I had to let him by but he didn’t come by. Don’t know what else I could have done there. That was a shame.”
Lewis Hamilton on sprint after a seventh-place finish:
Saturday 2 May 2026 19:30 , Kieran Jackson“I’m hoping we can change a lot [for qualifying]. Yesterday I lost three-tenths because the software wasn’t working.
“Losing down the straights, in the race that continued, we have to make some changes going into qualifying. The setup is in the wrong place, definitely make some good changes going forward.”
Oscar Piastri, who finished P2 in the sprint:
Saturday 2 May 2026 19:15 , Kieran Jackson“Overall a good morning, let’s see what we can do for qualifying, let’s hope we can maintain that for the weekend.”
George Russell, who finished fourth:
Saturday 2 May 2026 19:00 , Kieran Jackson“P4. Obviously, the improvements from McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull - a little bit daunting.”
Kimi Antonelli, who finished sixth:
Saturday 2 May 2026 18:45 , Kieran Jackson“We’ve been doing work in the break - I did everything right with the [start] procedure, grip was very low, I was very frustrated afterwards, I got track limits, something I need to avoid.
“We’ve just got to try and maximise the result and we focus on qualifying.”
Lando Norris after his sprint victory:
Saturday 2 May 2026 18:32 , Kieran Jackson“It was a good race, nice to be back on the top step, a massive job to the team for bringing the upgrades, ours have really helped, good start to the weekend, have to do it all again.
“It’s worked so far. We’ll just keep our head down.”
What time is qualifying?
Saturday 2 May 2026 18:16 , Kieran JacksonQualifying for the Miami Grand Prix starts at 9pm (BST) on Saturday night.
Charles Leclerc after finishing third:
Saturday 2 May 2026 18:05 , Kieran Jackson“I'm satisfied with that, not satisfied with P3, McLaren made a good start, but the upgrades are good.”
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
