The champion is back: Lando Norris has secured pole position for the second sprint of the Formula 1 season in Miami.
In a significantly upgraded McLaren, the British title contender set the fastest lap of the day on Friday with a time of 1:27.869. World Championship leader Kimi Antonelli in the Mercedes followed in second place, while Norris’s teammate Oscar Piastri will start Saturday’s 19-lap race from third position.
«It’s a big reward for the whole team, we brought a lot of upgrades,» said Norris. «It’s a great result, but it’s just the start of the weekend. We still have a lot ahead of us, but it’s a good starting point.»
Charles Leclerc, who had previously won the only practice session in Florida, could only manage fourth place in his Ferrari. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen secured fifth place with his Red Bull, ahead of George Russell in the second Mercedes and record world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Nico Hülkenberg, who is still waiting for his first championship points this season, finished twelfth in his Audi. His Brazilian teammate Gabriel Bortoleto will start the sprint from eleventh place.
Formula 1: Miami Grand Prix Race Set for Sunday
Due to the conflict in the Gulf region, Formula 1 had canceled the races in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, leading to a five-week hiatus. During this break, adjustments were made to the technical regulations in response to criticism of the new hybrid engines, which also affect qualifying. With the power units now required to harvest less electrical energy per lap, drivers can push harder during qualifying laps. Furthermore, a majority of teams have introduced numerous updates, shaking up the field.
In addition to the sprint, qualifying will take place on Saturday around the Hard Rock Stadium. The Miami Grand Prix is scheduled for Sunday, though the start in Florida might be brought forward due to a predicted severe weather alert.