The 2026 Formula 1 season resumed with Free Practice 1 for the Miami Grand Prix, where Charles Leclerc emerged as the fastest driver on Friday. The Ferrari driver clocked a time of 1m 29.310s, outperforming Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. Mercedes, however, faced significant challenges during the session.
Key Highlights from FP1
- Date: Friday (specific date not mentioned)
- Location: Miami International Autodrome
- Session Duration: Extended to 90 minutes due to rule refinements and the Sprint format
- Number of Drivers: 22 in total, representing 11 teams
Session Overview
Leclerc set the benchmark early in the session, capitalizing on the hot and humid conditions typical of Miami. The extended practice allowed teams to adapt to new regulations and test their recent upgrades. Aston Martin was the only team that did not roll out any new aerodynamic developments for this event.
As the session began at noon local time, drivers quickly left the pits to familiarize themselves with the 5.412-kilometer track. Most opted for the hardest tire compound during their initial laps. By the 15-minute mark, times were rapidly changing, with Lando Norris briefly leading until Leclerc’s performance took over.
Technical Issues and Developments
Aston Martin experienced a power issue, and both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll took longer than expected to complete their laps. Other teams faced their own difficulties, with Pierre Gasly reporting a strange smell from his Alpine and George Russell dealing with a noisy turbo. Ferrari and Red Bull engaged in a development race, showcasing new wing designs aimed at enhancing performance.
Final Session Standings
As the session progressed, championship leader Antonelli briefly held the top spot with a time of 1m 30.079s. However, Leclerc later regained the lead with his fast lap. Overall, the final standings for the top drivers were:
- 1st: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1m 29.310s
- 2nd: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- 3rd: Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- 4th: Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- 5th: Antonelli
- 6th: George Russell (Mercedes)
- 7th: Lando Norris (McLaren)
The session concluded with many drivers improving their times, but Mercedes struggled to find their footing, complicating their approach to the upcoming race weekend.
