Verstappen grabs Miami pole with flying pace to upset Lando Norris

Max Verstappen delivered a dominant qualifying performance for the Miami Grand Prix, securing pole position for the sixth round of the 2025 Formula 1 season with a scorching lap of 1:26.204 minutes.

Despite arriving late to the track in Florida due to the birth of his child, the Dutch Red Bull driver looked unfazed as he claimed the top spot. Lando Norris came closest, just 0.065 seconds off the pace, though a mistake on his final flying lap likely cost him a potential pole after his win in the sprint race on Saturday.

Fine margins up front! 🤯

Max Verstappen is currently fastest by three thousandths over Lando Norris, who locked up on his lap 👀#F1 #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/Y41JqSyoGC

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 3, 2025

Impressively, rookie Kimi Antonelli rounded out the top three, just 0.067 seconds behind Verstappen in a standout qualifying display. He was followed by Oscar Piastri in fourth and George Russell in fifth for Mercedes.

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It was a strong session for Williams, with Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon taking 6th and 7th, ahead of Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari, who could not extract more from his car.

Lewis Hamilton is eliminated in Q2! ❌👇

11. Hadjar
12. Hamilton 📸
13. Bortoleto
14. Doohan
15. Lawson

Ten drivers remain for the Q3 shootout… 💨#F1 #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/McDyqG9VJ7

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 3, 2025

The top 10 was completed by Esteban Ocon for Haas and Yuki Tsunoda. Lewis Hamilton was knocked out in Q2 and will start 12th on Sunday, despite finishing third in the sprint race earlier.