By Archit Uniyal
Kimi Antonelli produced a clinical final lap to secure pole position for the Miami Grand Prix, once again underlining Mercedes’ authority at the sharp end of the grid.
Just as it looked like Max Verstappen had done enough to claim P1, Antonelli responded when it mattered most, hooking up the final sector to edge ahead and keep his momentum firmly intact heading into Sunday.
Late drama defines Q3
Qualifying built towards a tense final shootout, with Verstappen briefly holding provisional pole after the first runs in Q3.
But the session flipped in its dying moments. Antonelli found extra grip where others struggled, delivering a composed and precise lap to reclaim top spot and leave the Red Bull driver second on the grid.
Charles Leclerc slotted into third after another tidy session for Ferrari, continuing their quietly consistent form across the weekend.
Norris unable to convert pace
After looking rapid in the sprint, Lando Norris entered qualifying as a genuine pole contender, but couldn’t quite put the lap together when it counted.
A slightly messy final run saw him settle for fourth, leaving McLaren with work to do despite encouraging underlying pace.
George Russell completed the top five but never quite matched Antonelli’s rhythm, ending the session a few tenths adrift of his teammate.
Field spread tight behind
The midfield once again proved fiercely competitive, with margins across Q1 and Q2 incredibly fine.
Several notable names fell earlier than expected, highlighting just how costly even minor errors have become around the Miami circuit.
The bigger picture
Antonelli’s pole continues a growing trend—Mercedes delivering when it matters most in qualifying, while Red Bull edge closer to a breakthrough.
Ferrari remain firmly in the mix, and McLaren’s pace suggests they cannot be ruled out over a full race distance.
With strategy, tyre wear and potential weather variables all in play, the stage is set for another unpredictable Miami Grand Prix.
WHEEL2WHEEL REPORTS 