Kimi Antonelli was unbeatable in qualifying. © APA/afp / CHARLY TRIBALLEAU

Lightning-fast silver arrow: Antonelli outruns Verstappen

World Championship leader Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the Formula 1 race in Miami with a stunning lap.

02 May 2026

From: dpa/sn

The Italian Mercedes driver clocked a time of 1:27,798, beating the significantly improved Max Verstappen in the Red Bull (+0,166 seconds) into second place and securing his third consecutive pole position this year. Ferrari star Charles Leclerc will start third in Sunday's Florida Grand Prix (10:00 PM CEST).

In the preceding sprint, McLaren hinted at their resurgence after the five-week hiatus with Lando Norris's victory and Oscar Piastri's second place. In qualifying, both Piastri and Norris narrowly scraped through to the next knockout round. Ultimately, Norris finished fourth, while Piastri could only manage seventh.

"Fantastic day" for Antonelli

Verstappen set the fastest lap before the decisive run. The 19-year-old Antonelli responded early with his first fast attempt. It was a strong statement from the teenager, who had dropped back to sixth place in the sprint after a poor start and a five-second penalty.

Kimi Antonelli (right) in conversation with Charles Leclerc. © APA/afp / CHARLY TRIBALLEAU

“It was a fantastic day to be back on pole. The day started difficult with the sprint; things didn't go so well for us there,” said Antonelli. “I'm happy with qualifying; I was perhaps a bit too nervous on the last lap in Q3, but the first lap was good.”
Since severe weather is forecast for race day, the fourth Grand Prix of the year could start earlier than originally planned. This is due, in part, to local regulations regarding thunderstorms and lightning. Should lightning strike within a reasonable radius of the racetrack, the event would have to be interrupted, and those present would have to seek shelter.

Fire and disqualification at Audi

Audi, the newcomer, had a day to forget. Nico Hülkenberg had to withdraw from the sprint after flames erupted from the rear of his car. In the garage, the mechanics worked tirelessly to get the car ready for qualifying. Eleventh place was a respectable result for the only German driver in the field.

An Audi sports car even went up in smoke. © APA/afp / CHANDAN KHANNA

Things went even more disappointingly for his teammate Gabriel Bortoleto. Due to excessive engine boost pressure, the Brazilian was disqualified in the sprint. Here too, the mechanics had to step in to help with qualifying.

Bortoletos' Audi was still drivable by the end of the first knockout lap, but the South American driver only drove one leisurely lap and finished last. Then the rear brakes on his car caught fire, and track marshals rushed onto the track to extinguish the blaze.

Formula 1: New rules in Miami

Miami is the first Formula 1 race after a five-week break. The governing body has made adjustments to the regulations, including increasing the amount of time spent at full throttle on the track. Almost all teams brought comprehensive upgrade packages to Florida. Verstappen showed significant improvement, but the four-time world champion couldn't match Antonelli's pace.