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Antonelli Seals Miami GP Pole as McLaren’s Upgrade Reorders the Pack

Regulatory tweaks with new parts are reshaping the pace picture heading into Montreal.

Overview

  • Kimi Antonelli took pole for the Miami Grand Prix ahead of Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, a turnaround for Mercedes after falling back in the Sprint, with Lando Norris fourth and Oscar Piastri seventh in qualifying.
  • Lando Norris won the Sprint in a McLaren one-two with Oscar Piastri, while Mercedes missed the podium as Antonelli lost ground off the line and George Russell finished fourth.
  • To calm erratic hybrid behavior in qualifying, the FIA allowed instant electric cutbacks up to about 350 kW in set zones at Miami and lifted a key speed threshold for energy reduction to 240 km/h for several corners.
  • McLaren’s new package delivered clear grip and rear-end gains that Norris said made the car more predictable, while Mercedes brought only small tweaks and targets a larger upgrade for Montreal.
  • Officials warned of severe weather for race day, with the event declared a wet race and a possible earlier start under review.