Live updates from the F1 Miami Grand Prix sprint qualifying session at the Miami International Autodrome, as the sport returns after a five-week break. Lewis Hamilton is eyeing pole position with Ferrari, who have shown strong pace in practice.
Sprint Qualifying Start Time
The first competitive session of the weekend begins at 9:30pm BST. Ferrari appear quick, but can they pip Mercedes to pole? Arvid Lindblad drives Racing Bulls' special-edition car in Miami.
Lando Norris Praises Justin Rose
Lando Norris has hailed golfer Justin Rose as an 'inspiration' after Rose teamed up with McLaren. Norris said: 'I've not been involved, but it's very cool. I love my golf. It is just a cool situation that McLaren have got involved with. Justin is a good friend of mine. Justin is one of the best in the world. For a guy at his age to be that number in the world is pretty inspirational actually for a lot of people of that age.' Norris posed with Rose, Ian Poulter, Michelle Wie, and Zak Brown at McLaren's golf launch event on Wednesday.
Martin Brundle Backs Hamilton for Wins
Martin Brundle has backed Lewis Hamilton to win F1 races this season, provided Ferrari make a 'big step' at the Miami Grand Prix this weekend. Ferrari have been Mercedes's closest rivals so far in 2026, and tweaks to the regulations could close the pack up.
Red Bull Chief on Verstappen's Future
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies insists the exit of key personnel will not accelerate Max Verstappen's departure. 'Absolutely not,' said Mekies. 'Obviously, we speak with Max every day. And Max knows motorsport upside-down. He's living and breathing this team.' Red Bull and Verstappen are set to lose head of race engineering Gianpiero Lambiase in the near future.
Bottas Reveals Starvation Struggles
Valtteri 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 36-year-old Finn, now in his 13th F1 season with new team Cadillac, started his career with Williams in 2013 before moving to Mercedes in 2017. In a letter for The Players' Tribune, Bottas detailed his extreme approach to improving performance at the start of his second season in 2014.
FIA Statement on Thunderstorms
F1's governing body says they are 'closely monitoring' the weather forecast amid speculation Sunday's Miami Grand Prix could be rescheduled due to thunderstorms. An FIA spokesperson said: '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.'
Jenson Button on Aston Martin Upgrades
Jenson Button commented on Aston Martin's upgrades: 'Three-tenths of upgrades isn't enough anyway - they may as well do a big upgrade in a few races. It's more important to spend the time developing the car in the background.'
FP1 Results
Top 10 in FP1: 1. Leclerc - 1:29:310, 2. Verstappen +0.297, 3. Piastri +0.448, 4. Hamilton +0.467, 5. Antonelli +0.769, 6. Russell +0.790, 7. Norris +0.898, 8. Gasly +1.277, 9. Hadjar +1.563, 10. Sainz +1.620. Positions 11-22: 11. Colapinto, 12. Albon, 13. Bearman, 14. Bortoleto, 15. Hulkenberg, 16. Ocon, 17. Lawson, 18. Perez, 19. Alonso, 20. Bottas, 21. Lindblad, 22. Stroll. Several lock-ups were noted, including Norris, Hamilton, and Hulkenberg heading into turn 1.
