Max Verstappen (Red Bull) set the fastest lap in the first free practice (FP1) of the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, clocking 1:28.345 on the Miami International Autodrome. The session, held under clear skies at 32°C, saw Ferrari's Charles Leclerc just 0.143 seconds behind.
The 2026 Miami Grand Prix weekend kicked off with an intense FP1 session at the Miami International Autodrome. According to the official Formula 1 live coverage, drivers posted competitive lap times despite challenging track conditions.
Who topped the first free practice?
Max Verstappen (Red Bull) dominated the session with a time of 1:28.345, narrowly beating Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by 0.143 seconds. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) secured third place, while Sergio Perez (Red Bull) finished fourth.
What were the biggest surprises in FP1?
McLaren’s Lando Norris managed fifth place despite early technical issues. The session saw a brief Virtual Safety Car period after an Alfa Romeo stopped on track. Notably, Haas outperformed Aston Martin in the midfield battle.
How were track and weather conditions?
The session ran under clear skies with temperatures reaching 32°C, affecting tire grip. Most drivers started on Medium tires before switching to Softs in the final minutes to improve lap times.
What does this mean for the rest of the weekend?
Results show a slight Red Bull advantage over Ferrari, but the gap is under 0.2 seconds. Teams are expected to work on balance during FP2 later today, especially with higher temperatures forecast for Saturday.
When does FP2 start?
FP2 begins at 16:00 Miami time (23:00 KSA) and can be watched on beIN Sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who topped FP1 at the 2026 Miami GP?
Max Verstappen (Red Bull) led with a time of 1:28.345, followed by Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes).
What was the gap between Verstappen and Leclerc?
The gap was only 0.143 seconds, indicating a close battle between Red Bull and Ferrari.
When does FP2 start?
FP2 begins at 16:00 Miami time (23:00 KSA) at the Miami International Autodrome.
Sources
- Formula 1 Official — AS IT HAPPENED: All the action from FP1 in Miami
