F1 Miami Grand Prix qualifying RESULTS: Latest updates and reaction

Sergio Perez took a surprise pole position for the Miami Grand Prix after Charles Leclerc’s late crash resulted in a red flag to leave Max Verstappen ninth on the grid – while Lewis Hamilton endured another sobering evening in his unruly Mercedes.

Fernando Alonso joins Perez on the front row following another impressive display by the evergreen Spaniard, with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz third.

• PREVIEW: The Miami Grand Prix could already have a problem – and it comes in the form of Las Vegas

Kevin Magnussen qualified fourth for Haas ahead of Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Russell. Leclerc, who broke his rear wing in the accident at Turn 8, qualified seventh.

Hamilton ended Q2 in P13, an eye-watering 1.1 seconds off the pace and two tenths down on team-mate Russell. Hamilton, who returned to the pits shaking his head, took aim at Mercedes for leaving him with too much to do at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Sergio Perez claimed pole position - follow all the reaction with The Independent:

F1 QUALIFYING - MIAMI GRAND PRIX

• Sergio Perez on pole for the Miami Grand Prix; Alonso 2nd; Sainz 3rd

• Click HERE for the starting grid for the Miami GP

• CRASH! Charles Leclerc puts it in the wall to end Q3 early

• Lewis Hamilton knocked out in Q2 in major shock, also out: Albon, Hulkenberg, Zhou, De Vries

• Lando Norris knocked out in Q1, also out: Tsunoda, Stroll, Piastri, Sargeant

• PREVIEW: The Miami Grand Prix could already have a problem – and it comes in the form of Las Vegas

• Hamilton admits Mercedes pace ‘a kick in the guts’

See you on Sunday for the race!

Sunday 7 May 2023 00:15 , Kieran Jackson

Thanks for joining us on our coverage of qualifying at the Miami Grand Prix - an entertaining quali at that!

Join us tomorrow evening for the race - we’ll have all the build-up before lights out at 8:30pm (BST)!

Until then, goodnight!

Max Verstappen sets minimum target for Miami Grand Prix after poor qualifying

Sunday 7 May 2023 00:02 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen insists he should still finish at least second in Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix despite starting ninth on the grid.

The double world champion, who was dominant throughout practice in Florida, aborted his first flying lap in Q3 after a few mistakes in sector one.

And Charles Leclerc’s late crash brought out the red flag, meaning the session stopped and Verstappen was unable to set a time - with Red Bull team-mate and world championship rival Sergio Perez on pole.

Despite starting on the fifth row, the Dutchman believes he should still finish on the podium come the chequered flag on Sunday.

Max Verstappen sets minimum target for Miami Grand Prix after poor qualifying

Sergio Perez claims pole position for the Miami Grand Prix

Saturday 6 May 2023 23:45 , Kieran Jackson

QUALIFYING REPORT:

Sergio Perez took a surprise pole position for the Miami Grand Prix after Charles Leclerc’s late crash resulted in a red flag to leave Max Verstappen ninth on the grid – while Lewis Hamilton endured another sobering evening in his unruly Mercedes.

Fernando Alonso joins Perez on the front row following another impressive display by the evergreen Spaniard, with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz third.

Kevin Magnussen qualified fourth for Haas ahead of Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Russell. Leclerc, who broke his rear wing in the accident at Turn 8, qualified seventh.

Read more below:

Sergio Perez on pole for Miami Grand Prix after Charles Leclerc crash in qualifying

Charles Leclerc, speaking after his crash in Q3:

Saturday 6 May 2023 23:23 , Kieran Jackson

“What’s unacceptable is doing the same mistake in the same corner. Very disappointed with myself. The wind was strong, setup was tricky, but I put myself in this position. I know I’m taking more risks than others in QQ3, but this is too much. Did the same mistake yesterday, this shouldn’t happen.

“This weekend I did too much. I cannot hide my disappointment. The Aston looks strong in race-pace, I don’t know where we are going to be. A podium would be a really good finish.”

Pierre Gasly, after qualifying P5:

Saturday 6 May 2023 23:11 , Kieran Jackson

“Did a strong lap on the used tyre when it counted. Did the lap when it mattered. We’ve got a big chance to get some big points.

“It was tight with Kevin. We would’ve been between P6 and P8 if qualifying ended. Happy for the guys.

“We’ve got a good chance, I want to pass Kevin quite early on. It’ll be tight in that midfield.”

Charles Leclerc with a big crash to end Q3

Saturday 6 May 2023 23:00 , Kieran Jackson

The Ferrari man starts P7 tomorrow.

Lewis Hamilton to start Miami Grand Prix in 13th after struggles in qualifying

Saturday 6 May 2023 22:54 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton will start Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix from 13th following a qualifying session to forget for the seven-time world champion in the United States.

Hamilton ended Q2 an eye-watering 1.1 seconds behind pacesetter Max Verstappen and two tenths down on team-mate George Russell, who progressed to the final phase.

Lewis Hamilton to start Miami Grand Prix in 13th after struggles in qualifying

Lewis Hamilton, after a disastrous P13:

Saturday 6 May 2023 22:47 , Kieran Jackson

“It was a difficult session. We’re not that quick, needed perfect laps, difficult to get into a rhythm. I had a couple of decent moments, Q1 end. But we’re at the back end of the top-10 and on that last one, last in the pack, I lost temperatures in the tyres - couldn’t do the lap.

“When you’re fast, you can sit back more relaxed. Take your time. We know that it’s very hard, 50/50 chance of getting into Q3. But anyways, it’s done. Get my head down tomrrow and see what I can do.

“P13 to god knows where.”

George Russell, after qualifying P6:

Saturday 6 May 2023 22:39 , Kieran Jackson

“I’ll take the result, flattering for the performance we showed. Q2 scraped through, that’s not where we should be. Everyone’s working so hard to bring performance to the car, certainly not through a lack of action. Few questions that need answering.

“We have a better Sunday than Saturday. We will focus on tomorrow but we need to think about the bigger picture and bring that fight to the guys in the top.”

Max Verstappen, speaking after P9:

Saturday 6 May 2023 22:32 , Kieran Jackson

“That was definitely a mistake of mine, put it on the limit, made a mistake and had to abort the lap. A bit upset with myself.

“I made it difficult with myself. Minimum P2. There are of course a few cars between us [me and Checo].”

What is the starting grid for the Miami Grand Prix?

Saturday 6 May 2023 22:25 , Kieran Jackson

1) Sergio Perez

2) Fernando Alonso

3) Carlos Sainz

4) Kevin Magnussen

5) Pierre Gasly

6) George Russell

7) Charles Leclerc

8) Esteban Ocon

9) Max Verstappen

10) Valtteri Bottas

11) Alex Albon

12) Nico Hulkenberg

13) Lewis Hamilton

14) Zhou Guanyu

15) Nyck de Vries

16) Lando Norris

17) Yuki Tsunoda

18) Lance Stroll

19) Oscar Piastri

20) Logan Sargeant

Sergio Perez, after putting his Red Bull on pole!

Saturday 6 May 2023 22:16 , Kieran Jackson

“Worst weekend up until qualifying, just resetting everything. We did a small change and everything became alive. We put the lap in when it mattered.

“Starting on pole, we have something to lose. We’ll try and enjoy it out there in front of this amazing crowd.”

Crowd ecstatic with the Mexican on pole!

Fernando Alonso, after finishing P2:

Saturday 6 May 2023 22:10 , Kieran Jackson

“It was a good qualifying. The car came alive, extremely happy with P2. First row of the grid.

“So enjoyable to drive. You go quite close to the walls so you need that confidence to attack qualifying, very pleased.

“We need an eye on the weather tomorrow.”

Sergio Perez is on pole position for the Miami Grand Prix!

Saturday 6 May 2023 22:02 , Kieran Jackson

“For f*** s***” screams Max Verstappen over the team radio! Nightmare for the championship leader!

So, confirmed top-10: Perez, Alonso, Sainz, Magnussen, Gasly, Russell, Leclerc, Ocon, Verstappen, Bottas

“I’m sorry guys, I’m sorry,” says Leclerc over team radio! Has he damaged his gearbox in his Ferrari?

Charles Leclerc crashes!

Saturday 6 May 2023 22:00 , Kieran Jackson

Oh no! Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc is in the wall for the second time this weekend!

Red flag! With 1:36 left! That means the grid should be pretty much set!

Sergio Perez on pole - Max Verstappen in P9!

Sergio Perez behind Max Verstappen on the road

Saturday 6 May 2023 21:59 , Kieran Jackson

So, what can Max Verstappen do here?!

Pressure is on the Championship leader as all 10 cars go out on their final flying laps!

Charles Leclerc makes a mistake at the end of the lap!

Saturday 6 May 2023 21:55 , Kieran Jackson

Best second sector... but a horrible turn 17 for Charles Leclerc, who locks up his Ferrari and ruins his lap! Only P7!

Current top-10 after first flying runs: Perez, Alonso, Sainz, Magnussen, Gasly, Russell, Leclerc, Ocon, Verstappen (no time), Bottas (no time)

Look at Kevin Magnussen in P4 for American-owned team Haas!

Max Verstappen aborts his first flying lap!

Saturday 6 May 2023 21:53 , Kieran Jackson

A few slides in sector one and the championship leader bails out of his first lap! It’s getting gusty out in Miami!

Sergio Perez, meanwhile, takes advantage for now - he’s P1, with a 1;26:841. Fernando Alonso three-tenths down in second...

Eight minutes to go...

Q3 is underway in Miami Grand Prix qualifying!

Saturday 6 May 2023 21:50 , Kieran Jackson

Now time for the top-10 shootout - 12 minutes to decide the starting order for tomorrow’s race.

Who will be on pole position for the Miami Grand Prix?!

10 cars involved: Verstappen, Alonso, Perez, Ocon, Gasly, Magnussen, Russell, Leclerc, Sainz, Bottas

Lewis Hamilton shakes his head as he gets out the car

Saturday 6 May 2023 21:49 , Kieran Jackson

First time Hamilton has finished outside the top-six in the United States! And his first Q2 elimination since Monza last year!

Lando Norris, who didn’t make it out of Q1, speaking to Sky Sports:

Saturday 6 May 2023 21:48 , Kieran Jackson

“We showed too much performance [on Friday]. Nothing that surprised as, we knew it’d be difficult to get out of Q1 and it showed.

“The car is not much different. It’s an update but it’s not meant to transform the car. Being patient still. We’re not expecting to be quick all of a sudden! It’s just tough.”

An understandably despondent Norris.

Lewis Hamilton is out in Q2!

Saturday 6 May 2023 21:43 , Kieran Jackson

Horrible session from Lewis Hamilton - he’s only P13! Had a bad sector one and two on his final lap!

“We left that way too late guys!” he says over team radio!

George Russell sneaks through in P10!

Bottom-five (11-15): Albon, Hulkenberg, Hamilton, Zhou, De Vries

Last chance saloon for Mercedes

Saturday 6 May 2023 21:40 , Kieran Jackson

Both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell on their out laps before their final Q2 runs!

Again, leaving it late! Any yellow flags here and the session would end... and Russell and Hamilton would be 13th and 14th respectively!

Current bottom-five (11-15): Zhou, Magnussen, Russell, Hamilton, De Vries

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell now in the bottom-five!

Saturday 6 May 2023 21:36 , Kieran Jackson

As more cars set times, the Mercedes fall down the standings! In the wider scheme of things too, a full second behind the leading Red Bulls!

Current bottom-five (11-15): Russell, Hamilton, Zhou, De Vries, Bottas

Five minutes left!

Kevin Magnussen in danger in P10!

Top-3: Verstappen, Sainz, Perez

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton down the order

Saturday 6 May 2023 21:33 , Kieran Jackson

Eight minutes in and Lewis Hamilton and George Russell are the second and third slowest out of all those who’ve set laps so far!

Both on used softs, mind.

The Haas cars both ahead - as are the Alpines of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly!

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez quickest so far.

Q2 now underway in Miami!

Saturday 6 May 2023 21:28 , Kieran Jackson

Who will make it into the top-10 shootout?

15 minutes for the 15 cars through in qualifying to go hell-for-leather in an attempt to make it into Q3!

Judging by Q1, may well be work to do for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell here!

Lando Norris is out of qualifying in Q1 - the Mercedes cars make it!

Saturday 6 May 2023 21:21 , Kieran Jackson

Lando Norris is out! Only P16!

Also out (17-20): Tsunoda, Stroll, Piastri, Sargeant

Nightmare for McLaren! And Lance Stroll for Aston Martin also doesn’t make it!

Nyck de Vries in P15 squeezes through, as does Alex Albon in 14th!

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in bottom-five with two minutes remaining!

Saturday 6 May 2023 21:17 , Kieran Jackson

Both Mercedes cars need to get a shift on - they’re both in the bottom-five right now!

Current bottom-five (16-20): Hamilton, Russell, Sargeant, Piastri, Norris

A crash and red flag would kill it right now!

Gasly and Ocon 15th and 14th respectively...

Lewis Hamilton is now out of the bottom-five - but only P10!

Saturday 6 May 2023 21:15 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton might well need to go again here; George Russell is P11 too!

Very underwhelming for Mercedes.

Current bottom-five (16-20): Sargeant, Albon, Tsunoda, Norris, De Vries

Oscar Piastri in P15; Hulkenberg 14th; Zhou 13th.

Five to go in Q1...

Lewis Hamilton in the bottom-five and in the garage with 10 minutes to go!

Saturday 6 May 2023 21:10 , Kieran Jackson

Not good for the seven-time world champion. His front-wing hits the wall as he tried to slow going around Kevin Magnussen - and he’s currently in the bottom-five - with his Mercedes team-mate!

Current bottom-five (16-20): Tsunoda, Norris, Russell, De Vries, Hamilton

Nico Hulkenberg, meanwhile, had a brush with the wall just before the back-straight! The Haas currently P11.

Sergio Perez fastest; Leclerc 2nd; Verstappen 3rd

Q1 is underway!

Saturday 6 May 2023 21:02 , Kieran Jackson

Alex Albon for Williams the first man out of the pit lane as the opening session of quali begins!

18 minutes - the five-slowest will be eliminated from qualifying.

Should point out: slightly overcast in Miami today, unlike the scorching sunshine yesterday.

Rain unlikely however.

Charles Leclerc is going for three poles in a row

Saturday 6 May 2023 20:58 , Kieran Jackson

The Ferrari driver claimed both pole positions in the two qualifying sessions in Baku last week - and he’s going for a second pole in a row after top spot in qualifying last year in Miami!

Team-mate Carlos Sainz has also looked much improved...

Can Sergio Perez claim pole in Miami?

Saturday 6 May 2023 20:55 , Kieran Jackson

A big day, you feel, for Sergio Perez.

Another street circuit this weekend for the so-called “king of the streets” - and you feel it’s a track that the Mexican needs to take maximum points on if he’s to challenge Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen this season.

Given practice though, is it Verstappen’s pole to lose in Florida?

Qualifying is coming up in five minutes!

Max Verstappen favourite for Miami Grand Prix pole after dominating practice

Saturday 6 May 2023 20:49 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen took top spot in final practice for the Miami Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton finished only 13th.

Verstappen clocked the best time in Saturday’s running, and the world champion will head into qualifying at 4pm (9pm BST) as the favourite to secure pole position.

Charles Leclerc finished second for Ferrari – four tenths slower than Verstappen – with Sergio Perez, six points behind Red Bull team-mate Verstappen in the driver standings, third.

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz finished fourth. Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell was 10th.

Max Verstappen favourite for Miami Grand Prix pole after dominating practice

Lewis Hamilton on the challenge of Miami

Saturday 6 May 2023 20:46 , Kieran Jackson

Can the Mercedes man claim his first pole position since December 2021, perhaps?

Miami Grand Prix could already have a problem – and it comes in the form of Las Vegas

Saturday 6 May 2023 20:29 , Kieran Jackson

Weekend preview by Kieran Jackson

It was difficult to know where to look. Whether you were present on-site, amid the over-congested carnage, or more likely gazing on television as pre-race coverage saw Martin Brundle attempt to negotiate incredulity and chaos on the starting grid, last year’s Miami Grand Prix peaked way before the five red lights went out.

Formula 1’s debut in Florida, around the temporarily constructed street track with the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium the unusually situated hub at the centre of it all, was memorable for the three Cs: cool, celebrity, chaos.

From the “fake marina” made up of 10 yachts surrounded by solid vinyl water to an “A-lister” at every turn, this was no ordinary F1 race weekend. Who can forget, for instance, Brundle’s one-way exchange with DJ Khaled? Or his misidentification of NFL star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. A lasting image, too, was Lewis Hamilton posing alongside his fellow sporting legends, namely: Michael Jordan, Tom Brady and David Beckham.

But what you probably did forget, rather quickly, was the race. Uneventful. Drab. Even a late safety car, due to a Lando Norris crash, failed to spice it up. Despite hosting the second-quickest straight on the calendar, overtaking was notably difficult. And after a similarly tough-watch last week in Azerbaijan, F1 and Miami alike need a better 57-lap contest this time.

Read full piece below:

The Miami Grand Prix could already have a problem

Here are the current Driver Standings ahead of qualifying:

Saturday 6 May 2023 20:13 , Kieran Jackson

1) Max Verstappen - 93 points

2) Sergio Perez - 87 points

3) Fernando Alonso - 60 points

4) Lewis Hamilton - 48 points

5) Carlos Sainz - 34 points

6) Charles Leclerc - 28 points

7) George Russell - 28 points

8) Lance Stroll - 27 points

9) Lando Norris - 10 points

10) Nico Hulkenberg - 6 points

11) Valtteri Bottas - 4 points

12) Esteban Ocon - 4 points

13) Oscar Piastri - 4 points

14) Pierre Gasly - 4 points

15) Zhou Guanyu - 2 points

16) Yuki Tsunoda - 2 points

17) Kevin Magnussen - 1 point

18) Alex Albon - 1 point

19) Logan Sargeant - 0 points

20) Nyck de Vries - 0 points

Brad Pitt set to drive at British Grand Prix to film scenes for F1 movie

Saturday 6 May 2023 19:59 , Kieran Jackson

Hollywood star Brad Pitt is set to drive at this year’s British Grand Prix to film scenes for his upcoming Formula One blockbuster.

It is understood that the 59-year-old American will race an adapted Formula Two car at Silverstone during the weekend of the Grand Prix which takes place on July 9.

Lewis Hamilton is helping to produce the movie, and the British driver’s Mercedes team has designed the bodywork for Pitt’s modified machine.

Brad Pitt set to drive at British Grand Prix in Silverstone this summer

An pessimistic George Russell speaking ahead of qualifying

Saturday 6 May 2023 19:44 , Kieran Jackson

Not the most positive interview ever from George...

Constructor Standings ahead of Miami:

Saturday 6 May 2023 19:32 , Kieran Jackson

1) Red Bull - 180 points

2) Aston Martin - 87 points

3) Mercedes - 76 points

4) Ferrari - 62 points

5) McLaren - 14 points

6) Alpine - 8 points

7) Haas - 7 points

8) Alfa Romeo - 6 points

9) AlphaTauri - 2 points

10) Williams - 1 point

Lewis Hamilton admits Mercedes pace ‘a kick in the guts’ ahead of Miami Grand Prix

Saturday 6 May 2023 19:21 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton has described Mercedes’ form as a “kick in the guts” – but team principal Toto Wolff insists his superstar driver will still sign a new contract.

Hamilton heads into Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix 45 points behind championship leader Max Verstappen after just four rounds of the season.

The British driver’s Mercedes team have endured a turbulent campaign.

Hamilton finished second in Australia at the beginning of last month to raise hope of a Mercedes’ fightback, but the 38-year-old, whose contract with the Brackley team expires in just over six months, was a distant sixth in Azerbaijan last weekend.

And, despite an encouraging opening practice session at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, with George Russell leading his team-mate in a Mercedes one-two, Hamilton ended the day’s concluding running in seventh, nine tenths back from Verstappen.

Lewis Hamilton admits Mercedes pace ‘a kick in the guts’ ahead of Miami Grand Prix

Miami Grand Prix could already have a problem – and it comes in the form of Las Vegas

Saturday 6 May 2023 18:58 , Kieran Jackson

Weekend preview by Kieran Jackson

It was difficult to know where to look. Whether you were present on-site, amid the over-congested carnage, or more likely gazing on television as pre-race coverage saw Martin Brundle attempt to negotiate incredulity and chaos on the starting grid, last year’s Miami Grand Prix peaked way before the five red lights went out.

Formula 1’s debut in Florida, around the temporarily constructed street track with the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium the unusually situated hub at the centre of it all, was memorable for the three Cs: cool, celebrity, chaos.

From the “fake marina” made up of 10 yachts surrounded by solid vinyl water to an “A-lister” at every turn, this was no ordinary F1 race weekend. Who can forget, for instance, Brundle’s one-way exchange with DJ Khaled? Or his misidentification of NFL star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. A lasting image, too, was Lewis Hamilton posing alongside his fellow sporting legends, namely: Michael Jordan, Tom Brady and David Beckham.

But what you probably did forget, rather quickly, was the race. Uneventful. Drab. Even a late safety car, due to a Lando Norris crash, failed to spice it up. Despite hosting the second-quickest straight on the calendar, overtaking was notably difficult. And after a similarly tough-watch last week in Azerbaijan, F1 and Miami alike need a better 57-lap contest this time.

Read full piece below:

The Miami Grand Prix could already have a problem

Full FP3 results in Miami!

Saturday 6 May 2023 18:47 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen fastest in FP3 - but Mercedes way down the order

Saturday 6 May 2023 18:35 , Kieran Jackson

It’s Max Verstappen up top once more! After the final hour of practice, the Red Bull is fastest with a 1:27:535, four-tenths faster than Charles Leclerc in second. Sergio Perez half-a-second off his team-mate in third.

An impressive session for the Alpines though: Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly fifth and sixth respectively.

Bit of a horror show for Mercedes though: George Russell in 10th and Lewis Hamilton all the way down in 13th!

Top-10: Verstappen, Leclerc, Perez, Sainz, Ocon, Gasly, Bottas, Hulkenberg, Albon, Russell

Pierre Gasly up to P4 with 10 minutes to go

Saturday 6 May 2023 18:24 , Kieran Jackson

A surprise make-up in the top-10 right now: Max Verstappen still in first, with Carlos Sainz second (five-tenths down) and now Sergio Perez in third - but Pierre Gasly is fourth-fastest in his Alpine and Valtteri Bottas is fifth.

6-10: Bottas, Leclerc, Albon, Magnussen, Hamilton

Just 10 to go, right as the sun finally comes out in Miami!

An irritated Alex Albon in FP3...

Saturday 6 May 2023 18:22 , Kieran Jackson

More car issues down at Ferrari prior to this third practice session

Saturday 6 May 2023 18:10 , Kieran Jackson

The old floor remains.

Carlos Sainz moves up to second in FP3

Saturday 6 May 2023 18:05 , Kieran Jackson

A quick time from Carlos Sainz - he’s now second, four-tenths behind Max Verstappen’s new fastest time of the day with a 1:27:669.

Charles Leclerc is in third, but nearly a full second behind Verstappen.

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell are tenth and 11th respectively. Not great at all.

1-10: Verstappen, Sainz, Leclerc, Perez, Hulkenberg, Alonso, Stroll, Gasly, Albon, Hamilton

Look who Christian Horner gave a tour around the Red Bull garage!

Saturday 6 May 2023 17:51 , Kieran Jackson

The chief twit himself... Elon Musk!

Max Verstappen quickest in first 15 mins of FP3 in Miami

Saturday 6 May 2023 17:44 , Kieran Jackson

Little surprise at the top so far: Max Verstappen sets a 1:28:963 on soft tyres - but Charles Leclerc is only 0.094 secs down in second.

Sergio Perez is third, with Carlos Sainz in fourth.

The Mercedes boys? George Russell in fifth, with Lewis Hamilton currently the slowest out of all those who have set times in eighth!

Hamilton with a big lock-up at the end of the long straight... very rare you see the seven-time world champion lose it!

FP3 at the Miami Grand Prix!

Saturday 6 May 2023 17:30 , Kieran Jackson

We’re underway with third practice in Miami!

The final hour for all 20 drivers to get up to speed with their cars ahead of qualifying later on.

Who will set the final benchmark before the serious stuff later on?!

Here are the current Driver Standings:

Saturday 6 May 2023 17:26 , Kieran Jackson

1) Max Verstappen - 93 points

2) Sergio Perez - 87 points

3) Fernando Alonso - 60 points

4) Lewis Hamilton - 48 points

5) Carlos Sainz - 34 points

6) Charles Leclerc - 28 points

7) George Russell - 28 points

8) Lance Stroll - 27 points

9) Lando Norris - 10 points

10) Nico Hulkenberg - 6 points

11) Valtteri Bottas - 4 points

12) Esteban Ocon - 4 points

13) Oscar Piastri - 4 points

14) Pierre Gasly - 4 points

15) Zhou Guanyu - 2 points

16) Yuki Tsunoda - 2 points

17) Kevin Magnussen - 1 point

18) Alex Albon - 1 point

19) Logan Sargeant - 0 points

20) Nyck de Vries - 0 points

Brad Pitt set to drive at British Grand Prix to film scenes for F1 movie

Saturday 6 May 2023 17:22 , Kieran Jackson

Hollywood star Brad Pitt is set to drive at this year’s British Grand Prix to film scenes for his upcoming Formula One blockbuster.

It is understood that the 59-year-old American will race an adapted Formula Two car at Silverstone during the weekend of the Grand Prix which takes place on July 9.

Lewis Hamilton is helping to produce the movie, and the British driver’s Mercedes team has designed the bodywork for Pitt’s modified machine.

Brad Pitt set to drive at British Grand Prix in Silverstone this summer

Max Verstappen fastest in Miami Grand Prix practice after Mercedes set surprise pace

Saturday 6 May 2023 17:14 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen restored Formula One’s natural order by posting the fastest time in second practice for Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix as Charles Leclerc crashed out.

After George Russell finished ahead of Lewis Hamilton in a surprise one-two finish for Mercedes in the earlier sun-cooked running at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, Verstappen took the spoils in the day’s concluding running.

The double world champion finished 0.385 seconds clear of Carlos Sainz with Leclerc, whose day ended in the barriers at Turn 7 with 10 minutes remaining, third in the other Ferrari.

Full results below:

Max Verstappen fastest in Miami Grand Prix practice after Mercedes set surprise pace

What is the race schedule?

Saturday 6 May 2023 17:07 , Kieran Jackson

(All times BST)

Saturday 6 May

• Free practice 3: 5:30pm

• Qualifying: 9pm

Sunday 7 May

• Race: 8:30pm

Lewis Hamilton admits Mercedes pace ‘a kick in the guts’ ahead of Miami Grand Prix

Saturday 6 May 2023 16:57 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton has described Mercedes’ form as a “kick in the guts” – but team principal Toto Wolff insists his superstar driver will still sign a new contract.

Hamilton heads into Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix 45 points behind championship leader Max Verstappen after just four rounds of the season.

The British driver’s Mercedes team have endured a turbulent campaign.

Hamilton finished second in Australia at the beginning of last month to raise hope of a Mercedes’ fightback, but the 38-year-old, whose contract with the Brackley team expires in just over six months, was a distant sixth in Azerbaijan last weekend.

And, despite an encouraging opening practice session at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, with George Russell leading his team-mate in a Mercedes one-two, Hamilton ended the day’s concluding running in seventh, nine tenths back from Verstappen.

Lewis Hamilton admits Mercedes pace ‘a kick in the guts’ ahead of Miami Grand Prix

Miami Grand Prix could already have a problem – and it comes in the form of Las Vegas

Saturday 6 May 2023 16:53 , Kieran Jackson

Weekend preview by Kieran Jackson

It was difficult to know where to look. Whether you were present on-site, amid the over-congested carnage, or more likely gazing on television as pre-race coverage saw Martin Brundle attempt to negotiate incredulity and chaos on the starting grid, last year’s Miami Grand Prix peaked way before the five red lights went out.

Formula 1’s debut in Florida, around the temporarily constructed street track with the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium the unusually situated hub at the centre of it all, was memorable for the three Cs: cool, celebrity, chaos.

From the “fake marina” made up of 10 yachts surrounded by solid vinyl water to an “A-lister” at every turn, this was no ordinary F1 race weekend. Who can forget, for instance, Brundle’s one-way exchange with DJ Khaled? Or his misidentification of NFL star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. A lasting image, too, was Lewis Hamilton posing alongside his fellow sporting legends, namely: Michael Jordan, Tom Brady and David Beckham.

But what you probably did forget, rather quickly, was the race. Uneventful. Drab. Even a late safety car, due to a Lando Norris crash, failed to spice it up. Despite hosting the second-quickest straight on the calendar, overtaking was notably difficult. And after a similarly tough-watch last week in Azerbaijan, F1 and Miami alike need a better 57-lap contest this time.

Read full piece below:

The Miami Grand Prix could already have a problem

F1 qualifying at the Miami Grand Prix

Saturday 6 May 2023 16:50 , Kieran Jackson

Good evening and welcome to live coverage on The Indepenent of qualifying at the Miami Grand Prix in Florida!

It’s the second edition of this race after Miami made its debut last year, when Max Verstappen won the race ahead of pole-sitter Charles Leclerc. What will happen this time around?

Third practice is at 5:30pm (BST) on Saturday; qualifying starts at 9pm!