Max starts Miami GP from P2: 'Much better than expected'

Published on 03 May 2026 by Misha van der Kroon

After finishing fifth in the sprint race earlier on Saturday, Max Verstappen qualifies in second position for Sunday’s race after a strong qualifying session. At the Miami International Autodrome, Kimi Antonelli takes pole position in his Mercedes, with Charles Leclerc lining up third. The McLaren of Lando Norris and the Mercedes of George Russell complete the top five. Max’s Oracle Red Bull Racing teammate Isack Hadjar sets the ninth-fastest time.

“For me, it has been two things,” Max says after qualifying. “I didn't feel comfortable with the car, and over the past few weeks the team has pushed flat out to bring upgrades to the car and make me feel more comfortable with a lot of things on the car, and it really pays off. I feel more in control of the car again, so I can push harder. The upgrades are working, and being on the front row here is much better than I expected heading into this weekend.”

Looking ahead to Sunday’s race, Max adds: “Let’s first start with a good start, I haven’t had a lot of them this year. We’ll definitely look at that and see what the weather does tomorrow, but I’m already very happy with where we are. From here, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We can push on and try to close the gap further.”

Ahead of qualifying, it is confirmed that Gabriel Bortoleto is disqualified after the sprint earlier on Saturday. His Audi exceeded the maximum intake pressure of 4.8 bar at one point, leading to exclusion from the classification. There is further concern for Bortoleto as the team works on his gearbox, leaving it uncertain whether the car will be ready for qualifying. Teammate Nico Hulkenberg is also affected, as his engine change is still being completed after the issue that prevented him from starting the sprint.

The FIA also confirms that two meetings will be held after qualifying to discuss potentially moving forward the start time of Sunday’s race due to weather forecasts and local regulations in Florida.

At the start of Q1, conditions remain hot in Miami at 33°C. As the pit lane lights go green, the track fills immediately. After the first runs, Max goes fastest on used soft tyres. Hulkenberg also appears competitive, placing his Audi inside the top ten. Bortoleto is back in the car, but it is unclear whether he can get a timed lap in. The elimination zone mid-session includes Bortoleto, both Cadillacs, both Aston Martins, and the Racing Bulls of Arvid Lindblad.

Red Bull Racing decide not to send Max out again, and when Q1 ends, he is second fastest behind Antonelli. Eliminated are Bortoleto, Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll, Fernando Alonso, and Lindblad. On the cooldown lap, Bortoleto’s Audi catches fire at the rear, forcing marshals into action and delaying the start of Q2.

At the start of Q2, both Red Bulls are the first cars on track on new soft tyres. Max is just one hundredth quicker than his teammate and expresses frustration over team radio: “Mate, these tyres feel terrible and have no grip.”

After the first Q2 runs, Antonelli, Hamilton, and Russell occupy the top three, with Max in sixth. Esteban Ocon, Hulkenberg, Oliver Bearman, Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz, and Norris are currently outside the cut-off. At the end of Q2, Hulkenberg, Liam Lawson, Bearman, Sainz, Ocon, and Albon are eliminated, while Max, Antonelli, and Leclerc form the top three heading into Q3.

In Q3, both McLarens head out first, followed by both Red Bulls. After the opening runs, Antonelli leads impressively, Leclerc is second, and Max sits third. The question is whether anyone can stop the young Italian from taking pole position in the final decisive attempt.

Max goes out last for his final run. None of his rivals improve, and only Max manages to find a better lap time, but he falls just over a tenth short of pole position, which goes to Antonelli. Leclerc finishes third.

Check the Max Verstappen Miami Collection, with T-shirts, hoodie, sweater, shorts, cap, bucket hat, drink bottle, mug, tote bag and scale models (1:2 and 1:4) of Max's special Miami helmet: https://store.verstappen.com

Results qualifying Miami: