After an exciting Free Practice session to open the 2025 F1 Miami GP proceedings, the 20 F1 drivers returned to the track for a fast-paced Sprint Qualifying. The session offered a thrilling mix of drama and pace. However, the highlight was Kimi Antonelli’s surprise pole position. The Mercedes rookie, now entering his sixth F1 race weekend, stunned the field, outpacing championship contenders Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the latter of whom topped the earlier Free Practice.
A feisty opener to Sprint Qualifying
SQ1 got underway with clear skies above the Miami circuit, as Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto led the pack out of the pit lane. All drivers ran the medium compound tyres, making tyre management and track evolution key to success. Max Verstappen, enjoying an emotional weekend following the birth of his daughter, initially set the benchmark with a 1:27.953. However, Lando Norris soon eclipsed that time, while Oscar Piastri slotted into third. Moments later, Antonelli made a statement of intent, firing to the top of the timesheets with an impressive lap. This, it turned out, was a sign of things to come from the Italian rookie.
Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc had a close call, brushing the wall at Turn 16 on a flying lap. Fortunately, there was no immediate damage to his Ferrari. With just over a minute remaining, the track grew increasingly busy as drivers pushed for one final effort. Norris, frustrated by what he perceived as being held up by Verstappen, made his feelings known over the radio — the incident was subsequently referred to the stewards.
The first major upset came with the elimination of Yuki Tsunoda, who failed to cross the line on time for a final lap. Also out were Lance Stroll, Jack Doohan, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Oliver Bearman. Doohan was particularly vocal, blaming a poorly timed release from the garage which caused a near-miss with his teammate Gasly.
Hamilton survives a chaotic SQ2 as Gasly hits the wall
Following a brief interval, SQ2 resumed with the field once again on medium tyres. Antonelli continued to impress, though his time was soon surpassed by Norris and then Piastri, the latter posting a rapid 1:27.154. Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton found themselves sixth and eighth, both needing to find improvements to ensure safe passage into SQ3.
In the closing moments, Verstappen surged back to the top, only for Norris to edge ahead once more. Pierre Gasly, pushing on his final lap, struck the wall at Turn 16 and was unable to recover, ending his chances of advancing. Hamilton, meanwhile, put in a strong lap to climb to sixth, defying earlier expectations. Carlos Sainz suffered a costly lock-up at Turn 11 and had his lap time deleted, sealing his early exit.
Out in SQ2 were Nico Hülkenberg, Esteban Ocon, Gasly, Liam Lawson, and Sainz. The stage was now set for a gripping final session, featuring a blend of seasoned race-winners and emerging stars.
Antonelli takes maiden pole in 2025 F1 Miami GP Sprint Qualifying
In SQ3, all drivers were on the soft tyre. Verstappen and George Russell were first to take to the circuit, with others opting to wait until the final few minutes. Russell laid down a strong early marker with a 1:26.791, while Verstappen completed a cool-down lap, conserving his only set of soft tyres.
With just under three minutes to go, the remaining drivers burst out of the pits in a final dash. Verstappen briefly reclaimed provisional pole, but his time was quickly beaten by Antonelli, whose stunning lap was over two-tenths faster than the reigning world champion. Piastri and Norris also bettered Verstappen’s time, taking P2 and P3 respectively.
Russell, despite his early effort, was pushed down to fifth. Leclerc and Hamilton followed in sixth and seventh, while Alex Albon, Isack Hadjar, and Fernando Alonso completed the top ten.
In the end, Antonelli’s sensational performance marked a defining moment in his rookie campaign. Meanwhile, Verstappen, Russell, and the Ferraris would need to regroup quickly ahead of the Sprint race under the blistering Miami sun.
Full results for the F1 Miami GP Sprint Qualifying
- Kimi Antonelli
- Oscar Piastri
- Lando Norris
- Max Verstappen
- George Russell
- Charles Leclerc
- Lewis Hamilton
- Alex Albon
- Isack Hadjar
- Fernando Alonso
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Esteban Ocon
- Pierre Gasly
- Liam Lawson
- Carlos Sainz
- Lance Stroll
- Jack Doohan
- Yuki Tsunoda
- Gabriel Bortoleto
- Oliver Bearman
