The Formula 1 paddock delivered another dramatic afternoon at the Miami International Autodrome, where young Mercedes sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix after an intense qualifying session.

Antonelli continued his remarkable rise in Formula 1 by claiming his third consecutive pole position, confirming Mercedes’ strong pace despite fierce pressure from Max Verstappen and the Ferraris.

The Italian rookie will start Sunday’s race from P1, ahead of Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, while McLaren surprisingly lost momentum after showing dominant speed earlier in the weekend.

Miami Grand Prix 2026 – Top 10 Starting Grid

1. Andrea Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes
2. Max Verstappen – Red Bull
3. Charles Leclerc – Ferrari
4. Oscar Piastri – McLaren
5. Lando Norris – McLaren
6. George Russell – Mercedes
7. Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari
8. Franco Colapinto – Alpine
9. Pierre Gasly – Alpine
10. Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin

Antonelli’s lap confirmed Mercedes as the benchmark over one lap, while Red Bull appeared far more competitive than in previous rounds. Ferrari also showed improved balance in the Miami heat.

Meanwhile, Alpine enjoyed one of its strongest qualifying performances of the season, with Franco Colapinto impressing again by reaching eighth place on the grid after another confident performance under pressure.

Earlier in the Sprint race, Lando Norris claimed victory for McLaren ahead of Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc.

With Miami’s high temperatures, unpredictable tire degradation and multiple teams showing race pace, Sunday’s Grand Prix is shaping up to be one of the most competitive races of the season.