Ferrari's Charles Leclerc topped the sole practice session for the F1 Miami Grand Prix, clocking 1:29.310 to beat Max Verstappen by 0.286 seconds. Meanwhile, a Mercedes engine failure sidelined rookie Kimi Antonelli, raising reliability concerns for the Silver Arrows.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc topped the sole practice session for the F1 Miami Grand Prix, clocking 1:29.310 to beat Max Verstappen by 0.286 seconds. Meanwhile, a Mercedes engine failure sidelined rookie Kimi Antonelli, raising reliability concerns for the Silver Arrows.
Who led the session and what happened?
Leclerc dominated the final minutes of the session, improving his time significantly. Verstappen settled for second, while McLaren showed strong pace with Oscar Piastri in third and Lando Norris in fourth. The top three represented three different teams, hinting at a competitive weekend.
What was the Mercedes engine issue with Antonelli?
The biggest story was the Mercedes power unit failure in Kimi Antonelli’s car early in the session. The team was forced to stop the car in the garage, severely limiting the young Italian driver’s track time. Mercedes has not yet confirmed the cause, but the incident raises questions about reliability ahead of the race.
What does this mean for the race?
With only one practice session, adaptation to the track is critical. The times suggest Ferrari and McLaren could pose a real threat to Red Bull, especially on Miami’s short, high-grip circuit. However, Antonelli’s problem may give Mercedes an extra challenge during the race.
How fast do cars go in Miami?
While top speeds were not disclosed, the Miami International Autodrome features long straights where cars exceed 320 km/h. However, the focus is on traction through slow corners.
When is the main race?
The main race takes place on Sunday, following a crucial qualifying session on Saturday. Teams will have very limited setup adjustment opportunities after the single practice.
Local angle: Gulf fans tuning in
The Miami GP draws a large following from F1 fans in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, especially with drivers like Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin). Audiences are keenly watching teams like Red Bull and Ferrari, which are hugely popular in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who topped F1 practice in Miami?
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) topped the sole practice session with a time of 1:29.310, ahead of Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and Oscar Piastri (McLaren).
What was the Mercedes engine problem with Kimi Antonelli?
Antonelli suffered a power unit failure in his Mercedes car during practice, forcing an early stop. The team has not yet revealed the exact cause.
When is the Miami Grand Prix race?
The main race is on Sunday, following a qualifying session on Saturday. Teams have only one practice session to adapt.
Sources
- Motorsport.com — F1 Miami GP: Charles Leclerc tops practice as Mercedes engine issue hits Kimi Antonelli
