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Leclerc Tops Extended Miami Practice; Teams Unveil Upgrades

5/2/2026

Summary

Leclerc Tops Practice

Charles Leclerc (Ferrari driver) set fastest lap in practice for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix with 1:29.310.
Max Verstappen (Red Bull driver) was second, 0.297 seconds behind, with Oscar Piastri (McLaren driver) third, 0.448 off the leader.
Free-practice was extended to 90 minutes for the sprint-weekend.
Ferrari added nine upgrades, Red Bull seven, and Mercedes changes while Antonelli’s run ended on a power-unit issue and Russell reported a turbo-noise problem.

Summary

Aston Martin Delays

The American team began its first Formula 1 session at the Miami Grand Prix.
Aston Martin confirmed a power-issue, delaying Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll’s first laps by just over 20 minutes.
Drivers reported technical problems, with Max Verstappen calling the RB22’s gearbox shifts horrendous and George Russell likening his Mercedes turbo to a noisy steam train.
Honda officials are closely monitoring the rollout of new countermeasures aimed at reducing engine vibrations and improving reliability.

History

Historical Context

The Miami Grand Prix debuted on May 8 2022 at the Miami International Autodrome, the first Formula 1 street-circuit race in the United States and the fifth round of that season. Its launch followed a 2018 proposal and a ten-year contract later extended to 2041. In 2026 practice, Charles Leclerc set the fastest lap, reviving vibration concerns that prompted Honda and the FIA to consider stricter durability rules.

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Leclerc Tops Practice

Charles Leclerc (Ferrari driver) set fastest lap in practice for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix with 1:29.310.
Max Verstappen (Red Bull driver) was second, 0.297 seconds behind, with Oscar Piastri (McLaren driver) third, 0.448 off the leader.
Free-practice was extended to 90 minutes for the sprint-weekend.
Ferrari added nine upgrades, Red Bull seven, and Mercedes changes while Antonelli’s run ended on a power-unit issue and Russell reported a turbo-noise problem.

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