Formula 1
Spanish speakers reign on the grid at F1 Miami Grand Prix with Pérez, Alonso and Sainz
Mexican Checo Pérez is in pole position, with the front three on the starting grid in Miami all Spanish speakers. The race gets underway at 3.30 p.m. ET.
Spanish rules in Miami. In a surprising turn of events, pole position favorites Verstappen and Leclerc found themselves overtaken by pressure-induced errors during the Miami GP qualifiers, leaving a front three on the grid of Mexican Checo Pérez in pole position and Spaniards Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz in second and third respectively.
Leclerc’s high-speed crash at turn seven dashed his hopes for pole position having gone for it while sitting a provisional seventh, while Verstappen finished ninth without a time.
Pérez takes pole
On the challenging, windy, and slippery Miami track, Pérez held his ground, proving that a focused performance could outshine the faster but not infallible Verstappen. Meanwhile, Alonso’s otherworldly driving skills kept Aston Martin in contention for a fourth-season podium despite struggling with performance.
Recovering from the disaster in Baku, a revitalized Sainz secured third place and now aims for his first top-3 of the season. However, tension is expected on Sunday, with Leclerc starting in seventh and Verstappen in ninth, both looking to march up the positions from the starting flag.
Chance of rain at Miami GP
Adding to the excitement, Sunday’s race could see rain and potential storms, adding another layer of unpredictability. Despite the looming weather, celebrities and high-profile spectators will undoubtedly fill the paddock, eager to witness the spectacle of Formula 1 in action.
When does the Miami GP start?
The race gets underway at 3.30 p.m. ET.