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Antonelli Snags Miami Pole, Beats Verstappen Amid Rain Threat

5/3/2026

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Summary

Antonelli Takes Pole

Kimi Antonelli took pole for the Miami Grand Prix on May 2, 2026 with a 1:27.798 lap.
He beat Max Verstappen by 0.166 seconds, with Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris and George Russell rounding out the top six.
Verstappen said recent upgrades made the Red Bull car feel more together, raising his confidence.
The FIA warned of over 40 % rain chance, considered moving the start, and noted Antonelli leads the championship.

Summary

Miami GP Expands

Miami Grand Prix announced a 115,000-sq-ft Paddock Club expansion, to be completed before the 2027 race and to hold over 9,000 guests.
The project adds roughly 300,000 sq ft, extending to Turn 1 and becoming one of the largest hospitality venues on the F1 calendar.
The weekend featured Miami Dolphins and Inter Miami players in mini-car challenges, Cadillac’s debut with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas (qualified 16th and 18th), and a fan-zone interview with Sebastian Montoya.

History

Historical Context

The 28 September 2008 Singapore Grand Prix marked Formula 1’s first night race, built on a S$150 million Marina Bay Street Circuit funded 60 % by the Singapore government and sponsored by Singtel. Selling 110,000 tickets and showcasing extensive hospitality facilities, the event proved night-time racing could attract global TV audiences and corporate revenue, a model later echoed in the 2026 Miami Grand Prix.

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Antonelli Takes Pole

Kimi Antonelli took pole for the Miami Grand Prix on May 2, 2026 with a 1:27.798 lap.
He beat Max Verstappen by 0.166 seconds, with Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris and George Russell rounding out the top six.
Verstappen said recent upgrades made the Red Bull car feel more together, raising his confidence.
The FIA warned of over 40 % rain chance, considered moving the start, and noted Antonelli leads the championship.

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