Miami Grand Prix: Antonelli grabs Formula 1 pole in Miami | EUROtoday

World Championship chief Kimi Antonelli took pole place for the Formula 1 race with a unbelievable lap Miami secured. The Italian from Mercedes relegated the considerably improved Max Verstappen within the Red Bull (+0.166 seconds) to second place in 1:27.798 minutes and raced to his third pole in a row this 12 months. Ferrari star Charles Leclerc will begin third within the Grand Prix in Florida on Sunday (10 p.m. CEST/Sky).

In the earlier dash, McLaren indicated its restoration after the five-week break with Lando Norris’ victory and Oscar Piastri’s second place. In qualifying, first Piastri after which Norris barely made it into the following knockout spherical. In the top, Norris got here fourth, Piastri did not get previous seventh place.

“Fantastic day” for Antonelli

Before the decisive passage, Verstappen set the quickest lap. Antonelli, who was solely 19 years outdated, countered early along with his first fast try. It was a robust sign from {the teenager}, who had fallen again to sixth within the dash after a botched begin and a five-second penalty.

«It was a unbelievable day to be on pole once more. The day began off tough with the dash, so issues did not go so properly for us,” said Antonelli. “I’m proud of qualifying, I used to be possibly a little bit too excited on the final lap in Q3, however the first lap was good.”

However, since storms are feared for race Sunday, the fourth Grand Prix of the 12 months may begin sooner than really deliberate. This is just not least resulting from native rules relating to thunderstorms and lightning. If there was lightning inside a manageable radius of the race observe, the occasion must be interrupted and people current must search shelter.

Fire and disqualification at Audi

Newcomer Audi skilled a day to neglect. Nico Hülkenberg needed to forego the dash after flames got here out of the rear. In the storage, the mechanics labored arduous to get the automotive prepared for qualifying. Eleventh place was a outstanding end result for the one German driver within the discipline.

Things have been much more disappointing for his teammate Gabriel Bortoleto. The Brazilian was disqualified within the dash as a result of the increase strain within the engine was too excessive. Here, too, the mechanics needed to work to hunt for a beginning place.

Upgrade-Pakete in Florida

Bortoleto’s Audi was nonetheless drivable on the finish of the primary knockout spherical, however the South American caught to a leisurely lap and got here final. Then the rear brakes on his automotive caught fireplace and marshals rushed onto the observe to place out the hearth.

Miami is the primary cease for Formula 1 after a five-week break. The regulators have made changes to the rules so as, amongst different issues, to extend the proportion of full throttle on the asphalt. Almost all groups introduced complete improve packages Florida. Verstappen confirmed nice enchancment, however the four-time world champion could not get near Antonelli.

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