
Miami Grand Prix 2025: The Highs and Lows from Qualifying
2025-05-03
Author: Sophie
Max Verstappen's Dominance Shines Again
Max Verstappen has once again proven his World Champion status by clinching pole position for the third time in the last four race weekends! Despite the impressive speed of McLaren's cars, Verstappen simply refuses to back down.
Qualifying Recap: Who Triumphed and Who faltered?
The Miami GP qualifying session was nothing short of thrilling. Let's dig into who came out on top and who faced disappointing outcomes.
Victorious: Max Verstappen
Verstappen's performance was extraordinary. Even with a slip in Sector 1 during his second Q3 lap, he still managed to clock the fastest overall time. Both McLaren drivers had the potential for quicker laps but couldn’t connect their best sectors, ultimately handing Verstappen the advantage.
Disappointment: Lewis Hamilton
In a shocking twist, Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time World Champion, fell short of expectations by failing to reach the top 10 for the first time this season. Although competitive, he struggled in Sector 3, where a mistake in Turn 17 sealed his fate.
Rising Star: Kimi Antonelli
Bouncing back from previous setbacks, Kimi Antonelli showcased his considerable talent, qualifying just ahead of McLaren's Oscar Piastri. His adept handling of Sectors 1 and 2 highlighted the potential of his setup, marking a significant confidence boost.
Oscar Piastri in a Tight Spot
Despite leading the Drivers' Championship, Piastri only managed to secure fourth place and couldn't improve his lap time in Q3. Errors in the high-speed sections cost him critical time, setting up a challenging race ahead.
Williams Soars to New Heights
Williams celebrated their best qualifying results of the season with impressive P6 and P7 finishes. The improved FW47 has not only retained its top speed but also exhibited enhanced cornering stability, promising a thrilling race outcome.
Ferrari's Struggles Continue
Ferrari faced a disheartening session with Charles Leclerc and Hamilton finishing in P8 and P12, respectively. The team’s performance remains below expectations, as both Williams drivers outpaced them on the grid.
Breakthrough for Esteban Ocon
Esteban Ocon had a stellar performance, making it into Q3 for the first time this season. Starting from P9, he aims to capitalize on his strategy to snag points for Haas.
Pierre Gasly's Qualification Woes
In a disappointing turn of events, Pierre Gasly found himself lagging behind his Alpine teammate. After a lackluster lap in Q1, he finished in P18, highlighting the stark differences between him and his teammate.
Looking Ahead to Race Day
With the stage set, all eyes will now be on the main race. Can Verstappen continue his winning streak? Will Hamilton bounce back? The Miami Grand Prix is guaranteed to be a nail-biter!