Lando Norris became the first non-Mercedes driver to claim a pole position in the 2026 season at the Miami Grand Prix on May 1. He set a benchmark time of 1:27.869 during Sprint Qualifying. Kimi Antonelli qualified second, two tenths behind Norris.
Qualifying Results:
- Norris: 1:27.869
- Antonelli: +0.222 seconds
- Piastri: +0.239 seconds
- Leclerc: +0.370 seconds
- Verstappen: +0.592 seconds
- Russell: +0.624 seconds
- Hamilton: +0.749 seconds
Oscar Piastri took third place in qualifying, while Charles Leclerc qualified fourth after leading practice sessions. Max Verstappen showed improved form for Red Bull with a fifth-place finish.
George Russell struggled and qualified sixth, while Lewis Hamilton secured seventh in the second Ferrari. Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly rounded out the top ten.
Lance Stroll did not set a time due to an early spin. Fernando Alonso’s time was unrepresentative, being ten seconds slower than the Cadillacs ahead.
McLaren’s upgrades contributed to their improved performance in Miami. George Russell remarked, “Pretty surprising how big a jump McLaren and Ferrari made. That’s pretty damn impressive.” Lando Norris expressed happiness for his team and noted, “It’s always a lot of expectations. A lot of work has gone into trying to bring these upgrades.” He added, “But since lap one, literally, turn one, everything felt better.”
