F1 returns with extended Miami GP practice after month-long break
F1 is back on track at the Miami GP after a month off, featuring an extended 90-minute practice session due to rule tweaks and car updates. The Sprint weekend format puts extra importance on this single practice, with Kimi Antonelli aiming to protect his championship lead.
Formula 1 returns to action at the Miami Grand Prix after an unprecedented month-long break, with an extended 90-minute FP1 session kicking off a Sprint weekend. The session offers teams a crucial first opportunity to test minor regulation tweaks and car updates on the revised Miami circuit, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli looks to extend his nine-point advantage.
Why it matters:
The extended practice session is critical for teams and drivers to adapt to both regulatory changes and circuit modifications after the long hiatus. With a Sprint format compressing the weekend schedule, maximizing data collection in FP1 becomes even more vital for setting up cars for the rest of the event, directly impacting qualifying and race performance.
The details:
- The 2025 season resumes after the cancellation of the opening rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, marking one of the longest gaps between races in recent F1 history.
- The FIA and teams have approved minor regulation adjustments aimed at allowing drivers to push harder in qualifying and improving overall safety.
- This weekend features the Sprint format, meaning teams have only one practice session (FP1) before competitive running begins.
- Extended Session: Due to the rule changes and several teams bringing updates, FP1 has been extended from the usual 60 minutes to 90 minutes.
- Championship Context: Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli leads the Drivers' Championship by nine points from teammate George Russell after winning in Japan.
- Driver Skepticism: Despite the changes, some drivers, including Max Verstappen, have expressed that the new rules are only a minor adjustment and unlikely to radically transform the sport.
What's next:
The action continues immediately with Sprint Qualifying following FP1, setting the grid for Saturday's Sprint Race. The main Grand Prix qualifying and race will follow on Sunday. All eyes will be on whether the extended practice time pays off for the teams with updates and how the championship battle between the Mercedes teammates evolves on a track that promises a mix of high-speed sections and technical challenges.
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