3 May 2026GP BlogRace reportQualifying report

Antonelli Eyes Clean Start Alongside Verstappen from Miami GP Pole

Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli clinched his third straight pole for the Miami GP, lining up next to Max Verstappen. The front-row start sets up a crucial battle, with Antonelli seeking a clean start to convert his qualifying pace into a maiden win, while Verstappen and the chasing pack look to pounce.

Kimi Antonelli secured his third consecutive pole position at the Miami Grand Prix and will start the race alongside championship leader Max Verstappen on the front row. The Mercedes rookie hopes for a cleaner getaway than in the Sprint, while Verstappen looks to convert his strong qualifying pace into a race-winning challenge. Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris make up the second row, setting the stage for a strategic battle at the front of the grid.

Why it matters:

Antonelli's qualifying dominance is becoming a defining narrative of his rookie season, putting immense pressure on his race-day performances. Starting alongside the relentless Verstappen presents both a golden opportunity and a significant challenge. The grid order suggests the potential for immediate drama into Turn 1 and could dictate the early strategic calls for the leading teams.

The Details:

Front Row Lock: Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) took pole, with Max Verstappen (Red Bull) qualifying second by edging out Charles Leclerc's Ferrari.
Second Row: Leclerc will start third, alongside McLaren's Lando Norris in fourth.
Mercedes Duo: George Russell and Lewis Hamilton occupy the third row in fifth and sixth, respectively.
Midfield Mix: Oscar Piastri (McLaren) and Franco Colapinto (Williams) share row four, followed by Pierre Gasly (Alpine) and Nico Hulkenberg (Haas) on row five.
Penalty Update: Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) was disqualified from his P9 qualifying result and will start from the pit lane after his team changed multiple power unit components on his car.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the run down to Turn 1. Antonelli must manage the pressure of leading the field against Verstappen's renowned race-start prowess. The race's first stint will be critical, with tyre management and early pit stop strategy likely determining the podium contenders. Further back, the close midfield pack promises plenty of overtaking action and could influence the final points-paying positions.