After an unusually long five-week break caused by the war in the Middle East, which led to the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix being cancelled for safety reasons, Formula 1 returned to Florida for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix. Originally scheduled as round six, Miami now became round four of the season.
The delay became a rare development window, giving all 11 teams valuable time to refine their all-new 2026 cars before the season’s next phase began. With the early pecking order still taking shape, Miami became the moment the championship fight could really gather momentum in the heat of South Beach.
Race Guide
Race weekend: 1 May 2026 – 3 May 2026
Race date: Sunday, 3 May 2026
Race start time: 16:00 local time (started at 13:00 due to incoming weather reports)
Circuit: Miami International Autodrome
Laps: 57
Circuit length: 5.412km
2025 winner: Oscar Piastri
| Pole position | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | |
| Time | 1:27.798 | ||
| Fastest lap | |||
| Driver | Lando Norris | McLaren | |
| Time | 1:31.869 | ||
| Podium | |||
| First | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | |
| Second | Lando Norris | McLaren | |
| Third | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | |
The break may have been over, but there would be no gentle reintroduction to racing. Miami hosted a Sprint weekend, meaning the pressure arrived immediately as cars hit the circuit. Teams got just a single practice session before parc fermé conditions and Sprint Qualifying on Friday night, followed by competitive running across Saturday and Sunday.
Recognising the unusual gap since the previous round, and a raft of tweaks to the regulations, Formula 1 extended Friday’s only practice session to 90 minutes rather than the standard hour. That extra half-hour could prove crucial as teams validated ‘Spring-break’ upgrades. With points available in the Sprint, a Grand Prix still to come, and momentum on the line, Miami looked to become one of the first defining weekends of the 2026 F1 World Championship.
Miami International Autodrome Stats
Since joining the Formula 1 calendar in 2022, the Miami International Autodrome fast became one of the sport’s most demanding modern venues. Built around the Hard Rock Stadium complex, the circuit’s long flat-out sections with technical low-speed corners create a layout where setup compromise is everything.
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Despite its wide sections, Miami still carries the unforgiving traits of a street circuit. Concrete walls close to the racing line in several areas, meaning any lapse in concentration is punished instantly. But drivers often need to brush the barriers to unlock a maximum lap time, especially in qualifying.
In 2026, the weather conditions were expected to pose another challenge, with hot, dry temperatures around 28 °C forecast for Friday, Saturday and Sunday — conditions that could test tyre management, cooling systems and driver endurance throughout the weekend.
Though still one of the newest additions to the Formula 1 calendar, the Miami Grand Prix, ahead of the 2026 race, had already produced several landmark moments and a small but notable list of winners. Since its debut in 2022, only a select group of drivers had conquered the Miami International Autodrome.
Max Verstappen dominated the race’s early years, winning the first two editions in 2022 and 2023 to give Red Bull Racing an immediate hold over the event. His 2023 triumph, a standout drive, having charged from ninth on the grid.
The tide shifted in 2024 when Lando Norris claimed his long-awaited maiden Formula 1 victory, a breakthrough result that celebrated a major milestone for both driver and team. McLaren backed that success up in 2025 through Oscar Piastri, becoming the first constructor to win consecutive Miami Grand Prix.
Weekend Schedule
| Date | Session | Local Time |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 1st May | Free Practice 1 (FP1) | 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm local time |
| Friday 1st May | Sprint Qualifying | 4:30 pm – 5:14 pm local time |
| Saturday 2nd May | Sprint | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm local time |
| Saturday 2nd May | Qualifying | 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm local time |
| Sunday 3rd May | Race | 4:00 pm local time |
Championship background
The championship picture remained one of the biggest talking points heading into Miami, with teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli arriving as the leader of the Drivers’ standings after consecutive victories in China and Japan. The young Italian had adapted instantly to Formula 1’s new era and now held a nine-point advantage over Mercedes team-mate George Russell, underlining the Silver Arrows’ early control of the season. With three wins from the opening three races, Mercedes had set the benchmark — but Miami could be the first true test of whether that advantage could be sustained.
A five-week development break, combined with recent regulatory tweaks, had given rivals a rare opportunity to respond. Almost every team was expected to arrive in Florida with significant upgrades, making this one of the most unpredictable weekends of the year so far. Ferrari and McLaren would both think they could close the gap, while Lando Norris returned to the circuit where he claimed his breakthrough maiden Grand Prix victory in 2024. His team-mate Oscar Piastri also showed race-winning pace in Japan before an ill-timed Safety Car disrupted his challenge.
Ferrari’s strong start suggested they should again be in the fight at the front, giving Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton another chance to challenge for silverware and podium positions. Further back in the standings, Max Verstappen sat in an unfamiliar ninth and remained a major storyline after he had recently questioned his long-term future in Formula 1. With new power unit regulations under discussion and mounting pressure on the track, Miami could prove a pivotal weekend not only in the title race but also in shaping the wider direction of the 2026 season.
Race entries
The lineup of drivers and teams remained the same as the 2026 season’s entry list, featuring no reserve drivers for the race.
Tyre choices
Tyre management was expected to play a subtle but decisive role at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix. With 19 corners, three long straights and a mix of public roads and stadium access areas, the surface would evolve rapidly across the weekend. Since being resurfaced in 2023, the track has offered relatively low roughness and steadily increasing grip as more rubber is laid down.
For 2026, Pirelli selected the three softest compounds in its range: C3 (Hard), C4 (Medium) and C5 (Soft). Reglecting the circuit’s smoother asphalt and generally modest tyre wear, allowing teams to prioritise pace without fearing excessive degradation. Miami, historically one of the kinder venues on tyres, meaning longer stints and flexible strategy calls, particularly valuable during a Sprint weekend when setup time is limited.
One of Miami’s more unusual traits is how quickly the circuit can dry after rain, as seen during the 2025 season’s Sprint when drivers moved from intermediates to slick tyres within the 19-lap race despite heavy rainfall beforehand. If conditions remained stable in 2026, a one-stop race was expected to be the preferred route on Sunday, with teams likely to split between Medium and Hard starting tyres depending on grid position and Safety Car risk.
That risk remains significant. Like any semi-street circuit, Miami carries a higher chance of yellow flags, Virtual Safety Cars and full neutralisations, which can completely reshape the pit-stop window. The previous year’s Grand Prix — won by Oscar Piastri — was straightforward, with most teams stopping around mid-distance after controlled opening stints. But with the field tighter in 2026 and teams arriving with fresh upgrades, even a low-degradation race could become a tactical battle decided by timing rather than tyre wear alone.
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Free Practice
Charles Leclerc set the pace as Formula 1 returned from its five-week break with a crucial and extended FP1 at the Miami International Autodrome. The Ferrari driver delivered a 1:29.310 on soft tyres to finish ahead of Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, with team-mate Lewis Hamilton also firmly in the mix. With just one practice session in the Sprint format — extended to 90 minutes — teams focused on evaluating upgrades and adapting to regulation tweaks, while early running on harder tyres saw multiple lead changes before the late switch to softs decided the order.
Full Free Practice Report
Mercedes endured a more difficult session, despite championship leader Kimi Antonelli briefly topping the times. Reliability concerns and setup issues limited both Antonelli and George Russell, leaving them fifth and sixth respectively. Behind them, Lando Norris lost time on his soft tyre run and ended seventh, while several teams — including Aston Martin — dealt with technical problems.
Free Practice 1 Classification
FP1 of the 2026 Miami Grand Prix was held on 1 May 2026 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm local time.
| Pos. | No. | Driver | Team | Time / Gap | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:29.310 | 41 |
| 2 | 3 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing | +0.297s | 41 |
| 3 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | +0.448s | 35 |
| 4 | 44 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | +0.467s | 35 |
| 5 | 12 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | +0.769s | 24 |
| 6 | 63 | George Russell | Mercedes | +0.790s | 34 |
| 7 | 1 | Lando Norris | McLaren | +0.898s | 35 |
| 8 | 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | +1.277s | 34 |
| 9 | 6 | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull Racing | +1.563s | 40 |
| 10 | 55 | Carlos Sainz | Williams | +1.620s | 37 |
| 11 | 43 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine | +1.705s | 33 |
| 12 | 23 | Alexander Albon | Williams | +1.714s | 39 |
| 13 | 87 | Oliver Bearman | Haas F1 Team | +1.781s | 35 |
| 14 | 5 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Audi | +1.801s | 28 |
| 15 | 27 | Nico Hulkenberg | Audi | +2.285s | 33 |
| 16 | 31 | Esteban Ocon | Haas F1 Team | +2.325s | 36 |
| 17 | 30 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | +2.338s | 41 |
| 18 | 11 | Sergio Perez | Cadillac | +2.737s | 25 |
| 19 | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | +3.283s | 29 |
| 20 | 77 | Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac | +3.452s | 33 |
| 21 | 41 | Arvid Lindblad | Racing Bulls | +3.552s | 41 |
| 22 | 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | +3.649s | 28 |
Sprint Shootout
Lando Norris celebrated Sprint pole, becoming the first driver to beat Mercedes in a competitive session in 2026. Last year’s Miami GP Sprint pole-sitter Kimi Antonelli went purple in the middle sector of his final run, but couldn’t take pole off Norris.
Full Sprint Report
Antonelli took second, 0.222s behind the McLaren driver, with Norris’s teammate, Oscar Piastri, dropping to third, Charles Leclerc took fourth, and Max Verstappen was in fifth.
Sprint Qualifying Classification
Sprint Qualifying for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix was held on 1 May 2026 from 4:30 pm to 5:14 pm local time.
| Pos. | No. | Driver | Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:28.723 | 1:29.366 | 1:27.869 | 15 |
| 2 | 12 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 1:29.312 | 1:29.209 | 1:28.091 | 14 |
| 3 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1:29.169 | 1:28.506 | 1:28.108 | 11 |
| 4 | 16 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:28.733 | 1:28.333 | 1:28.239 | 15 |
| 5 | 3 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing | 1:29.801 | 1:29.093 | 1:28.461 | 12 |
| 6 | 63 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1:29.659 | 1:28.903 | 1:28.493 | 15 |
| 7 | 44 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 1:29.255 | 1:28.841 | 1:28.618 | 15 |
| 8 | 43 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine | 1:30.386 | 1:29.527 | 1:29.320 | 15 |
| 9 | 6 | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull Racing | 1:30.352 | 1:29.750 | 1:29.422 | 15 |
| 10 | 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 1:29.984 | 1:29.973 | 1:29.474 | 15 |
| 11 | 5 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Audi | 1:30.561 | 1:29.994 | 12 | |
| 12 | 27 | Nico Hulkenberg | Audi | 1:30.270 | 1:30.019 | 12 | |
| 13 | 87 | Oliver Bearman | Haas F1 Team | 1:30.614 | 1:30.116 | 9 | |
| 14 | 23 | Alexander Albon | Williams | 1:30.988 | 1:30.216 | 12 | |
| 15 | 55 | Carlos Sainz | Williams | 1:30.987 | 1:30.224 | 12 | |
| 16 | 41 | Arvid Lindblad | Racing Bulls | 1:30.872 | 1:30.573 | 9 | |
| 17 | 30 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | 1:31.043 | 5 | ||
| 18 | 31 | Esteban Ocon | Haas F1 Team | 1:31.245 | 6 | ||
| 19 | 11 | Sergio Perez | Cadillac | 1:31.255 | 3 | ||
| 20 | 77 | Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac | 1:31.826 | 6 | ||
| NC | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 1:41.311 | 6 |
2026 Miami Grand Prix Sprint Starting Grid
The Sprint starting grid, with or without penalties, after the 2026 Miami Grand Prix Sprint Shootout session.
| Pos. | No. | Driver | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:27.869 |
| 2 | 12 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 1:28.091 |
| 3 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1:28.108 |
| 4 | 16 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:28.239 |
| 5 | 3 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing | 1:28.461 |
| 6 | 63 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1:28.493 |
| 7 | 44 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 1:28.618 |
| 8 | 43 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine | 1:29.320 |
| 9 | 6 | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull Racing | 1:29.422 |
| 10 | 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 1:29.474 |
| 11 | 5 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Audi | 1:29.994 |
| 12 | 27 | Nico Hulkenberg | Audi | 1:30.019 |
| 13 | 87 | Oliver Bearman | Haas F1 Team | 1:30.116 |
| 14 | 55 | Carlos Sainz | Williams | 1:30.224 |
| 15 | 30 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | 1:31.043 |
| 16 | 31 | Esteban Ocon | Haas F1 Team | 1:31.245 |
| 17 | 11 | Sergio Perez | Cadillac | 1:31.255 |
| 18 | 23 | Alexander Albon | Williams | 1:31.322 |
| 19 | 77 | Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac | 1:31.826 |
| 20 | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 1:41.311 |
| 21 | 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | |
| 22 | 41 | Arvid Lindblad | Racing Bulls | 1:30.573 |
Sprint Race
Lando Norris converted pole into a controlled Sprint victory at the Miami International Autodrome, leading a dominant one-two for McLaren ahead of Oscar Piastri, with Charles Leclerc completing the podium. Norris held the lead into Turn 1 and gradually pulled clear across the 19-lap race, while behind him, early drama unfolded as Kimi Antonelli dropped from second and became locked in a battle with George Russell. Although Antonelli recovered on track, a post-race penalty for track limits demoted him to sixth.
Full Sprint Report
Further back, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton fought intensely, with Verstappen ultimately finishing ahead and moving up to fifth after penalties. Pierre Gasly secured the final point in eighth, while reliability issues hit Audi before the start, and others struggled to make progress. With strategic gambles failing for Aston Martin and a mixed showing across the midfield, the Sprint underlined McLaren’s strength and set the tone for a competitive Grand Prix to follow.
Sprint Classification
The 2026 Miami Grand Prix Sprint Race was held on 2 May 2026, at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm local time.
| Pos. | No. | Driver | Team | Laps | Time / Retired | Pts. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 19 | 29:15.045 | 8 |
| 2 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 19 | +3.766s | 7 |
| 3 | 16 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 19 | +6.251s | 6 |
| 4 | 63 | George Russell | Mercedes | 19 | +12.951s | 5 |
| 5 | 3 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing | 19 | +13.639s | 4 |
| 6 | 12 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 19 | +13.777s | 3 |
| 7 | 44 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 19 | +21.665s | 2 |
| 8 | 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 19 | +30.525s | 1 |
| 9 | 6 | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull Racing | 19 | +35.346s | 0 |
| 10 | 43 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine | 19 | +36.970s | 0 |
| 11 | 5 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Audi | 19 | +48.438s | 0 |
| 12 | 31 | Esteban Ocon | Haas F1 Team | 19 | +56.972s | 0 |
| 13 | 87 | Oliver Bearman | Haas F1 Team | 19 | +57.365s | 0 |
| 14 | 55 | Carlos Sainz | Williams | 19 | +58.504s | 0 |
| 15 | 30 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | 19 | +59.358s | 0 |
| 16 | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 19 | +76.067s | 0 |
| 17 | 11 | Sergio Perez | Cadillac | 19 | +76.691s | 0 |
| 18 | 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 19 | +77.626s | 0 |
| 19 | 23 | Alexander Albon | Williams | 19 | +88.173s | 0 |
| 20 | 77 | Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac | 19 | +89.597s | 0 |
| NC | 27 | Nico Hulkenberg | Audi | 0 | DNS | 0 |
| NC | 41 | Arvid Lindblad | Racing Bulls | 0 | DNS | 0 |
Qualifying
Kimi Antonelli secured a third consecutive pole position with a standout 1:27.798, edging Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc in a tightly fought Qualifying session. Antonelli’s earlier Q3 lap proved unbeatable despite late improvements from rivals, while Lando Norris recovered from a boost issue to take fourth ahead of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Oscar Piastri had to settle for seventh, with Alpine and Red Bull rounding out the top 10.
Full Qualifying Report
Earlier in the session, Q1 and Q2 delivered drama with shifting conditions, wind gusts and tight margins pushing several drivers to the limit. Piastri narrowly escaped elimination, while Gabriel Bortoleto suffered a brake fire and Aston Martin endured another double exit. In Q2, Verstappen briefly led before Antonelli and Ferrari reasserted themselves, while midfield battles saw multiple big names eliminated. Ultimately, Antonelli’s pace and consistency sealed pole, setting up a highly competitive race.
Qualifying Classification
Qualifying for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix was held on 2 May 2026, at 4:00 am – 5:00 pm local time.
| Pos. | No. | Driver | Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 1:28.653 | 1:28.289 | 1:27.798 | 17 |
| 2 | 3 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing | 1:29.099 | 1:28.116 | 1:27.964 | 15 |
| 3 | 16 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:28.938 | 1:28.315 | 1:28.143 | 21 |
| 4 | 1 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:29.183 | 1:28.920 | 1:28.183 | 20 |
| 5 | 63 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1:29.492 | 1:28.477 | 1:28.197 | 18 |
| 6 | 44 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 1:29.483 | 1:28.477 | 1:28.319 | 21 |
| 7 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1:29.920 | 1:28.332 | 1:28.500 | 20 |
| 8 | 43 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine | 1:29.584 | 1:28.975 | 1:28.762 | 19 |
| 9 | 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 1:29.914 | 1:29.070 | 1:28.810 | 20 |
| 10 | 27 | Nico Hulkenberg | Audi | 1:29.645 | 1:29.439 | 14 | |
| 11 | 30 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | 1:29.595 | 1:29.499 | 14 | |
| 12 | 87 | Oliver Bearman | Haas F1 Team | 1:29.340 | 1:29.567 | 12 | |
| 13 | 55 | Carlos Sainz | Williams | 1:29.540 | 1:29.568 | 15 | |
| 14 | 31 | Esteban Ocon | Haas F1 Team | 1:29.838 | 1:29.772 | 15 | |
| 15 | 23 | Alexander Albon | Williams | 1:29.720 | 1:29.946 | 15 | |
| 16 | 41 | Arvid Lindblad | Racing Bulls | 1:30.133 | 9 | ||
| 17 | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 1:31.098 | 8 | ||
| 18 | 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 1:31.164 | 9 | ||
| 19 | 77 | Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac | 1:31.629 | 9 | ||
| 20 | 11 | Sergio Perez | Cadillac | 1:31.967 | 9 | ||
| 21 | 5 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Audi | 1:33.737 | 3 | ||
| DQ | 6 | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull Racing | 1:28.941 | 1:28.789 | 0 |
2026 Miami Grand Prix Starting Grid
The Grand Prix starting grid, with or without penalties, after the 2026 Miami Grand Prix Qualifying session.
| Pos. | No. | Driver | Team | Quali Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 1:27.798 |
| 2 | 3 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing | 1:27.964 |
| 3 | 16 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:28.143 |
| 4 | 1 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:28.183 |
| 5 | 63 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1:28.197 |
| 6 | 44 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 1:28.319 |
| 7 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1:28.500 |
| 8 | 43 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine | 1:28.762 |
| 9 | 6 | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull Racing | 1:28.789 |
| 10 | 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 1:28.810 |
| 11 | 27 | Nico Hulkenberg | Audi | 1:29.439 |
| 12 | 30 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | 1:29.499 |
| 13 | 87 | Oliver Bearman | Haas F1 Team | 1:29.567 |
| 14 | 55 | Carlos Sainz | Williams | 1:29.568 |
| 15 | 31 | Esteban Ocon | Haas F1 Team | 1:29.772 |
| 16 | 23 | Alexander Albon | Williams | 1:29.946 |
| 17 | 41 | Arvid Lindblad | Racing Bulls | 1:30.133 |
| 18 | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 1:31.098 |
| 19 | 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 1:31.164 |
| 20 | 77 | Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac | 1:31.629 |
| 21 | 11 | Sergio Perez | Cadillac | 1:31.967 |
| 22 | 5 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Audi | 1:33.737 |
What happened in the 2026 Miami Grand Prix?
Kimi Antonelli delivered another statement performance at the Miami International Autodrome, claiming victory in a dramatic and action-packed Miami Grand Prix to secure his third consecutive win of the season. In a race that constantly shifted shape and tested every aspect of racecraft, the Mercedes driver held firm under relentless pressure from Lando Norris, further strengthening his grip on the 2026 F1 World Championship fight.
The race exploded into life from the opening corner, where polesitter Antonelli was immediately drawn into a three-way battle with Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. Both Antonelli and Verstappen locked up under braking, before contact between the Red Bull and Ferrari sent Verstappen spinning through a full 360 degrees — dropping him down the order and setting the tone for a chaotic afternoon.
Lead battles, Safety Cars and shifting momentum define the race
From there, the race became a constantly evolving contest. The lead changed hands multiple times as Antonelli, Leclerc, Norris, Oscar Piastri and even a recovering Verstappen all spent time at the front during different phases. Race-ending incidents involving Isack Hadjar and Pierre Gasly brought out the Safety Car, condensing the field and adding another layer of unpredictability to strategy calls.
As the race settled into its final stages, the fight for victory crystallised into a head-to-head duel between Antonelli and Norris. The McLaren driver remained within striking distance, applying sustained pressure over the closing laps, but Antonelli’s control, tyre management and composure proved decisive. He crossed the line to secure a historic third consecutive win — becoming the first driver in F1 history to convert their first three pole positions into victories.
Late drama reshuffles podium fight and top order
Norris ultimately finished 3.264 seconds behind in second place, while Piastri surged into the podium positions late on, overtaking Leclerc during a frantic final two laps. Leclerc’s race then unravelled further when he spun but managed to continue, only to be overtaken by George Russell for fourth. Verstappen, recovering from his early spin, snatched fifth place from Leclerc at the line — though his race result remained under investigation for a potential pit exit infringement.
Points spread across field as midfield battles continue
Further down the order, Lewis Hamilton took seventh in a relatively quiet race for Ferrari, while Franco Colapinto added valuable points for Alpine in eighth. Williams also enjoyed a productive afternoon, with Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon completing the top 10.
Just outside the points, Ollie Bearman finished 11th for Haas, followed by Gabriel Bortoleto in 12th for Audi and Esteban Ocon in 13th. Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad came home 14th, ahead of the Aston Martin pair of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll in 15th and 17th respectively, with the Cadillac duo of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas splitting them in 16th and 18th.
Retirements add to drama as Antonelli takes control of season narrative
Four drivers failed to reach the chequered flag, with Hadjar and Gasly retiring following their earlier incidents. Liam Lawson also exited after contact with Gasly, while Nico Hulkenberg brought his Audi into the pits to retire.
In a race packed with incidents, overtakes and strategic swings, Antonelli’s victory stood out not just for its execution but for its significance. With three wins in a row and momentum firmly on his side, the Mercedes driver left Miami as the clear benchmark — and with the championship narrative increasingly revolving around his remarkable rise.
Leclerc penalty
Charles Leclerc was given a 20-second time penalty and demoted to eighth for leaving the track multiple times and gaining an advantage.
Leclerc spun and hit the barriers on the last lap after battling with Oscar Piastri for fourth, suffering damage, but limped around, cutting several corners.
He was overtaken by George Russell and Max Verstappen in the final two corners, so crossed the line in sixth, but his time penalty meant he dropped two places behind Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton and Alpine’s Franco Colapinto.
The stewards said: “Car 16 spun on the last lap at turn 3 and hit the wall but continued on track. The driver informed us that the car appeared fine save that the car would not negotiate the right hand corners properly.
“Given this problem, he was forced to cut chicanes on the way to the chequered flag. We determined that the fact that he had to cut the chicanes (i.e. to leave the track) meant that he gained a lasting advantage by leaving the track in that manner.
“The fact that he had a mechanical issue of some sort did not amount to a justifiable reason. We accordingly impose a Drive Through penalty on Car 16, given the number of times the car left the track and gained an advantage.
“We also considered whether there was an additional breach in continuing to drive a car with an obvious and discernible mechanical issue. We determined that there was no evidence of there being an obvious of discernible mechanical issue. We therefore took no further action in relation to that potential infringement.”
Antonelli’s Records from the 2026 Miami GP
- 1st driver to get their first 3 poles consecutively and convert them all to victory
- Joined Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna as the only drivers to get their first 3 poles consecutively
- Joined Damon Hill and Mika Hakkinen as the only drivers to get their first 3 wins consecutively
- First driver to win from pole or the front row in Miami
- First Italian driver to win 3 consecutive races since Alberto Ascari in 1952
- First Italian driver to take 3 straight poles since Riccardo Patrese in 1991
- First Mercedes driver to win 3 consecutive races since Lewis Hamilton in 2021
- First Italian driver to lead the championship for consecutive Grand Prix since Michele Alboreto in 1985
2026 Miami Grand Prix race results
The 2026 Miami Grand Prix was held on 3 May 2026 at 4:00 pm local time.
| Pos. | No. | Driver | Team | Laps | Time / Retired | Pts. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 57 | 01:33:19 | 25 |
| 2 | 1 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 57 | +3.264s | 18 |
| 3 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 57 | +27.092s | 15 |
| 4 | 63 | George Russell | Mercedes | 57 | +43.051s | 12 |
| 5 | 3 | Max Verstappen1 | Red Bull Racing | 57 | +43.949s + 5 secs | 10 |
| 6 | 44 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 57 | +53.753s | 8 |
| 7 | 43 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine | 57 | +61.871s | 6 |
| 8 | 16 | Charles Leclerc2 | Ferrari | 57 | +44.245s + 20secs | 4 |
| 9 | 55 | Carlos Sainz | Williams | 57 | +82.072s | 2 |
| 10 | 23 | Alexander Albon | Williams | 57 | +90.972s | 1 |
| 11 | 87 | Oliver Bearman | Haas F1 Team | 56 | +1 lap | 0 |
| 12 | 5 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Audi | 56 | +1 lap | 0 |
| 13 | 31 | Esteban Ocon | Haas F1 Team | 56 | +1 lap | 0 |
| 14 | 41 | Arvid Lindblad | Racing Bulls | 56 | +1 lap | 0 |
| 15 | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 56 | +1 lap | 0 |
| 16 | 11 | Sergio Perez | Cadillac | 56 | +1 lap | 0 |
| 17 | 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 56 | +1 lap | 0 |
| 18 | 77 | Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac | 55 | +2 laps | 0 |
| NC | 27 | Nico Hulkenberg | Audi | 7 | DNF | 0 |
| NC | 30 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | 6 | DNF | 0 |
| NC | 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 4 | DNF | 0 |
| NC | 6 | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull Racing | 4 | DNF | 0 |
2Charles Leclerc was given a 20-second time penalty and demoted to eighth for leaving the track multiple times and gaining an advantage. He finished P6 on the track.
2026 Miami Grand Prix Fastest Laps
| Pos. | No. | Driver | Team | Lap | Time of Day | Time | Avg. Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 35 | 14:03:29 | 1:31.869 | 212.075 |
| 2 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 30 | 13:56:02 | 1:31.949 | 211.891 |
| 3 | 12 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 34 | 14:01:55 | 1:31.968 | 211.847 |
| 4 | 63 | George Russell | Mercedes | 53 | 14:31:45 | 1:32.446 | 210.752 |
| 5 | 16 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 44 | 14:17:40 | 1:32.515 | 210.595 |
| 6 | 44 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 29 | 13:54:35 | 1:32.676 | 210.229 |
| 7 | 55 | Carlos Sainz | Williams | 30 | 13:56:25 | 1:33.026 | 209.438 |
| 8 | 43 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine | 33 | 14:00:58 | 1:33.035 | 209.417 |
| 9 | 3 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing | 24 | 13:46:27 | 1:33.110 | 209.249 |
| 10 | 5 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Audi | 56 | 14:35:56 | 1:33.500 | 208.376 |
| 11 | 31 | Esteban Ocon | Haas F1 Team | 33 | 14:01:20 | 1:33.712 | 207.905 |
| 12 | 87 | Oliver Bearman | Haas F1 Team | 28 | 13:53:20 | 1:33.744 | 207.834 |
| 13 | 23 | Alexander Albon | Williams | 30 | 13:56:26 | 1:33.784 | 207.745 |
| 14 | 41 | Arvid Lindblad | Racing Bulls | 30 | 13:56:47 | 1:34.058 | 207.140 |
| 15 | 27 | Nico Hulkenberg | Audi | 4 | 13:11:06 | 1:34.523 | 206.121 |
| 16 | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 46 | 14:21:03 | 1:34.594 | 205.966 |
| 17 | 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 57 | 14:38:44 | 1:34.716 | 205.701 |
| 18 | 30 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | 3 | 13:08:57 | 1:34.814 | 205.488 |
| 19 | 6 | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull Racing | 4 | 13:10:38 | 1:34.833 | 205.447 |
| 20 | 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 4 | 13:10:33 | 1:34.856 | 205.397 |
| 21 | 11 | Sergio Perez | Cadillac | 31 | 13:58:35 | 1:34.895 | 205.313 |
| 22 | 77 | Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac | 16 | 13:34:12 | 1:36.080 | 202.781 |
2026 Post-Race F1 Championship Standings
Championship standings for Drivers’ and Teams after the 2026 Miami Grand Prix.
2026 Post-Race F1 Drivers’ Championship Standings
| POS | Driver | Nationality | Car | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kimi Antonelli | ITA | Mercedes | 100 |
| 2 | George Russell | GBR | Mercedes | 80 |
| 3 | Charles Leclerc | MON | Ferrari | 59 |
| 4 | Lando Norris | GBR | McLaren | 51 |
| 5 | Lewis Hamilton | GBR | Ferrari | 51 |
| 6 | Oscar Piastri | AUS | McLaren | 43 |
| 7 | Max Verstappen | NED | Red Bull Racing | 26 |
| 8 | Oliver Bearman | GBR | Haas F1 Team | 17 |
| 9 | Pierre Gasly | FRA | Alpine | 16 |
| 10 | Liam Lawson | NZL | Racing Bulls | 10 |
| 11 | Franco Colapinto | ARG | Alpine | 7 |
| 12 | Arvid Lindblad | GBR | Racing Bulls | 4 |
| 13 | Isack Hadjar | FRA | Red Bull Racing | 4 |
| 14 | Carlos Sainz | ESP | Williams | 4 |
| 15 | Gabriel Bortoleto | BRA | Audi | 2 |
| 16 | Esteban Ocon | FRA | Haas F1 Team | 1 |
| 17 | Alexander Albon | THA | Williams | 1 |
| 18 | Nico Hulkenberg | GER | Audi | 0 |
| 19 | Valtteri Bottas | FIN | Cadillac | 0 |
| 20 | Sergio Perez | MEX | Cadillac | 0 |
| 21 | Fernando Alonso | ESP | Aston Martin | 0 |
| 22 | Lance Stroll | CAN | Aston Martin | 0 |
2026 Post-Race F1 Constructors’ Championship Standings
| POS | Car | PTS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mercedes | 180 |
| 2 | Ferrari | 110 |
| 3 | McLaren | 94 |
| 4 | Red Bull Racing | 30 |
| 5 | Alpine | 23 |
| 6 | Haas F1 Team | 18 |
| 7 | Racing Bulls | 14 |
| 8 | Williams | 5 |
| 9 | Audi | 2 |
| 10 | Cadillac | 0 |
| 11 | Aston Martin | 0 |
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