Follow Live: Miami GP Sprint Qualifying Underway After Leclerc Tops Practice

Formula 1 returns from a month-long hiatus with the Miami Grand Prix, where Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in the event's sole practice session ahead of the Sprint Qualifying. The Ferrari driver led Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, setting the stage for a competitive start to the weekend's Sprint format action under revised qualifying regulations aimed at increasing on-track aggression.

Why it matters:

The Miami GP marks F1's comeback after the cancelled opening rounds, making it the de facto season starter and placing immense focus on early performance. The new regulatory tweaks for qualifying, designed to allow drivers to push harder, get their first real test in a competitive session, potentially shaking up the grid order. Furthermore, with a maximum of 33 points available this weekend, it's a critical opportunity for championship leader Kimi Antonelli to extend his advantage or for rivals to close the gap.

The details:

• The weekend follows the Sprint format, meaning teams had just one 90-minute practice session to dial in their cars before competitive sessions begin.
• Charles Leclerc topped that practice timesheet for Ferrari, showing promising early pace ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and McLaren's Oscar Piastri.
• The FIA approved minor regulation changes during the break, specifically aimed at qualifying, to encourage drivers to take more risks and improve safety.
• Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli arrives in Miami leading the Drivers' Championship by nine points from teammate George Russell, following his victory at the last round in Japan.

What's next:

All attention now turns to the Sprint Qualifying session, which will set the grid for Saturday's Sprint Race. The results will provide the first true competitive indicator of each team's performance after the extended break and under the new sporting regulations. The main Grand Prix qualifying and race follow on Sunday, completing a packed points-scoring opportunity in Florida.