Formula 1 News: Oscar Piastri tops Grand Prix of Miami Practice

Oscar Piastri, driving the superior #81 McLaren Mercedes, turned a lap of 1m27.128s to top the only practice session for this weekend’s GP of Miami Formula 1 race around the Miami Autodrome.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Piastri’s time was 0.256s ahead of the #16 Ferrari of Charles Leclerc. That was quicker than last year’s pole time, and Sprint pole too.

The new father of baby girl Lily, Max Verstappen, was 3rd in the Red Bull sled, 0.430s behind Piastri.

The Williams duo of Carlos Sainz Jr. and Alex Albon rounded out the top-5, 0.550s and 0.827s behind Piastri respectively.

The session was red-flagged late when the Haas of Oliver Bearman had a wobble in Turn 11, went a little deep, overcorrected, got onto the dirty stuff and then the rear stepped out. That led to a very slow speed spin, sending the car into the wall.

Piastri, Leclerc and Verstappen all got a time in on the softs – and Piastri was a long way ahead. His P1 time was very quick – quicker than last year’s pole position.

Norris did not get a lap in on the softs so his true pace is an unknown, but given he had just gone purple in the middle sector… It is safe to say McLaren are the favorites later on.

It is hard to draw too many conclusions from that session, but one thing that does look certain is that Williams are on form here. Expect Sainz and Albon to be pushing hard for SQ3 berths later on in Sprint Qualifying.

Not everyone managed to get a soft tire run in at the end there, Alpine did not, nor did Antonelli or Hamilton.

Next up is Sprint Qualifying at 4:30pm ET

2025 GP of Miami Practice Results