Story perspectives

Rookie Antonelli Takes Miami Pole Ahead of Verstappen

5/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured pole for the Miami Grand Prix on May 2 2026 with a 1:27.798 lap.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen qualified second, 0.166 seconds slower, while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was third, 0.345 seconds off Antonelli.
In the sprint, Antonelli finished sixth after receiving a five-second penalty for exceeding track limits.
Mercedes' George Russell said his smooth driving style struggles on Miami’s low-grip surface, affecting his qualifying performance.

History

Historical Context

After the 2005 United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis—when Michelin-supplied tyres lost grip and seven teams withdrew, leaving only six cars to start—FIA officials tightened tyre-safety rules. The episode sparked a lasting focus on tyre management and strict track-limit enforcement, a pattern that continues to shape qualifying and race strategies in modern Formula One.

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Story summary

Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured pole for the Miami Grand Prix on May 2 2026 with a 1:27.798 lap.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen qualified second, 0.166 seconds slower, while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was third, 0.345 seconds off Antonelli.
In the sprint, Antonelli finished sixth after receiving a five-second penalty for exceeding track limits.
Mercedes' George Russell said his smooth driving style struggles on Miami’s low-grip surface, affecting his qualifying performance.

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