Antonelli Claims Third Straight Pole in Miami GP Qualifying

Qualifying for the Miami Grand Prix delivered another compelling chapter in what is rapidly becoming one of the tightest seasons in recent memory. Under baking Florida heat at the Miami International Autodrome, and with the looming threat of rain for race day, margins were razor-thin and momentum swung repeatedly across all three sessions. When the dust settled, it was Kimi Antonelli who emerged on top, securing his third consecutive pole position and underlining his status as one of the standout stories of 2026.

Mercedes Lead the Way in Miami Qualifying

Kimi Antonelli’s pole lap of 1:27.798 was the benchmark no one could ultimately beat. The Mercedes rookie was quick throughout the weekend, but it was in Q3 that he truly delivered, producing a lap that was both aggressive and composed. Crucially, he did so despite aborting a second flying run after locking up into Turn 1, highlighting just how strong his initial effort had been.

Verstappen Close, but Not Close Enough

Max Verstappen looked like a genuine threat right to the end. Leaving the pits late for his final attempt, the Red Bull driver lit up the timing screens with purple sectors and briefly raised the possibility of stealing pole. In the end, he had to settle for P2, just 0.166s adrift.

Still, this represented Verstappen’s strongest qualifying performance of the season and reinforced the idea that Red Bull’s upgraded package is finally paying dividends.

Ferrari and McLaren Right in the Mix

Charles Leclerc continued Ferrari’s encouraging upward trend by qualifying third, while Lando Norris backed up his Sprint win with P4 on the grid. Norris never quite looked as comfortable as he did on Friday, with McLaren appearing to lose a couple of tenths in the opening sector as the track evolved.

Behind them, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton locked out the third row for Mercedes and Ferrari respectively, separated by just over a tenth. Hamilton, who had earlier described his Sprint as “not spectacular”, looked far more at ease over one lap when it mattered.

Piastri and McLaren Survive a Scare

Oscar Piastri endured a nervy qualifying, scraping through Q1 in 16th after struggling with balance and power delivery. While the Australian recovered to qualify seventh, it was a reminder that McLaren’s weekend has not been entirely smooth despite their evident pace.

Colapinto Impresses, Gasly Solid

Alpine once again maximised their potential, with Franco Colapinto delivering an excellent P8, continuing his strong one-lap form. Pierre Gasly completed the top ten, ensuring both Alpine cars start inside the points-paying positions.

Isack Hadjar also impressed for Red Bull, qualifying ninth, while Audi endured a disastrous session. Gabriel Bortoleto’s day unravelled dramatically when his brakes caught fire in Q1, forcing him to stop on track and bringing an early end to his qualifying.

Rain Could Turn Everything Upside Down

With rain forecast for Sunday and minimal wet-weather running on these cars so far, Sunday’s race could be unpredictable. A mixed-up grid, four teams capable of winning, and drivers still learning the limits in tricky conditions all point toward potential chaos.

If Antonelli can finally nail his start, he has a golden opportunity. But with Verstappen, Leclerc and Norris all lurking just behind—and weather uncertainty looming—nothing about the Miami Grand Prix looks settled just yet.