F1 practice RESULT: Miami Grand Prix 2023 updates and results

Formula 1 has the first of three races in the United States this weekend with the Miami Grand Prix taking place around the Hard Rock Stadium street circuit.

Sergio Perez won both the sprint race and the grand prix in Azerbaijan, cutting the gap to World Championship leader Max Verstappen to six points, while Charles Leclerc claimed Ferrari’s first podium of the season with a third-place finish on Sunday.

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

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton again struggled for pace in their Mercedes cars, while Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso came fourth on Sunday to back up three podiums in a row to open up the season. Leclerc qualified on pole at Miami’s inaugural race last year but Verstappen triumphed on the new street track. It is the first of three races in the US in 2023, with Austin, Texas and Las Vegas to follow later in the season.

George Russell was quickest in first practice with Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton in second; FP2 started at 10:30pm (BST).

Follow live F1 updates with The Independent

F1 PRACTICE - MIAMI GRAND PRIX

• Max Verstappen quickest in FP2; Sainz 2nd; Leclerc 3rd

• CRASH! Charles Leclerc in the wall in FP2

• Second practice started at 10:30pm

• George Russell quickest in FP1 amid a Mercedes one-two; Hamilton 2nd; Leclerc 3rd

• CRASH! Nico Hulkenberg smashes into the wall in first practice

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

• Hamilton hints at career extension: ‘Never say never’

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

Max Verstappen quickest in second practice in Miami

23:36 , Kieran Jackson

The world championship leader fastest in second practice with that 1:27:930, with Carlos Sainz in second and Charles Leclerc - despite his crash - in third.

4-10: Perez, Alonso, Norris, Hamilton, Stroll, Ocon, Albon

As for George Russell, who was quickest in FP1? All the way down in 15th!

Four minutes of FP2 running

23:27 , Kieran Jackson

All the cars are lined up in the pit lane for just four minutes of running - every little helps I suppose!

A few race laps and some standing starts beckon...

Red flag- Charles Leclerc has crashed!

23:21 , Kieran Jackson

His Ferrari is in the wall at turn 8 - oh Charles!

He’s all OK - but his Ferrari is fully in the wall. And with eight minutes left, that may well be that for FP2!

“Couldn’t turn the steering wheel... “

Just lost the car carrying pace on the outside...

Max Verstappen now quickest in qualifying runs

23:12 , Kieran Jackson

With all the field having switched to soft tyres, Max Verstappen is fastest with a 1:27:930, three-tenths ahead of Carlos Sainz.

Charles Leclerc is third, with Sergio Perez fourth - all are within half-a-second.

Fernando Alonso fifth, seven-tenths behind Verstappen. 6-10: Norris, Hamilton, Stroll, Ocon, Albon

Around 20 minutes left of running on Friday...

Charles Leclerc quickest in the first 15 minutes

22:47 , Kieran Jackson

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc is fastest in the first 15 minutes, with Max Verstappen a tenth back in second and Sergio Perez in third.

Kevin Magnussen has a bit of a spin at turn 16 - and a brush with the barrier - and Lewis Hamilton almost followed suit, as he missed the corner!

4-10: Sainz, Russell, Ocon, Hamilton, Alonso, Gasly, Albon

FP2 is underway!

22:29 , Kieran Jackson

So we’re underway with second practice at the Miami Grand Prix! Can Mercedes match their performance from FP1?

Surely Max Verstappen and Red Bull will be the frontrunners here, as the drivers set their qualifying simulations on low fuel.

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

22:17 , 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 Driver Standings ahead of Miami:

22:06 , 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

Lewis Hamilton criticises Florida’s anti-LBGTQ measures ahead of Miami Grand Prix

21:53 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton has criticised anti-LGBTQ legislation in Florida and says he will wear a rainbow helmet at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.

The seven-time Formula One champion criticised the state’s controversial ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law, which prohibits public school teachers from teaching pupils about sexual orientation or gender identity.

Hamilton referenced oppression seen in Saudi Arabia after being asked about the measures, which were widened by Florida governor Ron DeSantis last month.

The 38-year-old Briton speaks out while racing in countries with questionable human rights records - including Saudi Arabia - or when an issue arises in which he feels his voice can lend support.

Lewis Hamilton criticises Florida’s anti-LBGTQ measures ahead of Miami Grand Prix

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

21:42 , 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

Mercedes chief Andrew Shovlin:

21:17 , Kieran Jackson

“Encouraging session but important to put in perspective.

“We’d be hoping it’s similar to Melbourne where we went pretty well. The problems here don’t seem as big as Baku.”

Max Verstappen ‘spat his dummy out’ as George Russell opens up on ‘pathetic’ row

21:02 , Kieran Jackson

George Russell has claimed Max Verstappen “spat his dummy out” after the pair’s “pathetic” argument at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The two drivers clashed after colliding on the track during the sprint race in Baku. In a heated interaction off the track after Russell had into his Red Bull in the opening corners, Verstappen appeared to call Russell a “d*******” as the two argued.

Russell has now admitted to being surprised at Verstappen’s reaction, suggesting that the Dutchman’s response was “a little bit poor”.

Full story below:

Max Verstappen ‘spat his dummy out’ as George Russell opens up on ‘pathetic’ row

George Russell leads surprise Mercedes one-two in first practice at Miami Grand Prix

20:54 , Kieran Jackson

George Russell saw off Lewis Hamilton as Mercedes completed a surprise one-two finish in opening practice for the Miami Grand Prix.

In the closing moments of the one-hour running in the Sunshine State, Russell and Hamilton moved from the back of the pack to the front.

Full report below:

George Russell leads surprise Mercedes one-two in first practice at Miami Grand Prix

F1 2023 Miami Grand Prix could already have a problem – and it comes in the form of Las Vegas

20:45 , 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

Yuki Tsunoda as fiery as ever on team radio!

20:27 , Kieran Jackson

The AlphaTauri driver not happy with the Alpine...

Full results from FP1 in Miami!

20:17 , Kieran Jackson

The first Mercedes one-two of the season in any session!

Mercedes secure a one-two right at the end of FP1!

20:03 , Kieran Jackson

George Russell goes quickest right before the end of the session! The Brit posts a 1:30:125 - two-tenths ahead of Lewis Hamilton in second!

A Mercedes one-two!

Charles Leclerc is third, three-tenths down, with Max Verstappen only fourth!

5-10: Gasly, Alonso, Stroll, Hulkenberg, Ocon

Sergio Perez down in P11.

Daniel RIcciardo now on the pit wall in Red Bull

19:51 , Kieran Jackson

Not racing. Just watching.

15 minutes until FP1 ends in Miami!

19:45 , Kieran Jackson

We’re back underway with FP1 with Hulkenberg’s Haas being moved off the track.

And a big of soft racing between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton ahead of both drivers setting their hot laps1

Christian Horner, speaking to Sky Sports:

19:43 , Kieran Jackson

On Miami: “The biggest risk this weekend is the weather. One of the two days, qualifying or race, is going to be affected by rain by the looks of it.”

On Perez-Verstappen dynamic: “The relationship is very, very good. Working well collectively, still so early in the season. Not counting our chickens yet. It’s about putting fresh air between us and our rivals. Working as a team and they’re doing a great job.”

Red flag! Nico Hulkenberg with a big crash!

19:35 , Kieran Jackson

Oh no! After setting the second-quickest time, the German has lost his Haas at the exit of turn 2!

Big smash into the wall!

“F*** I lost it!”

The red flag is thrown while they recover that Haas... Hulkenberg another one who didn’t race here last year, we should remember!

Max Verstappen remains on top of the standings

19:34 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen goes quickest, on softs, with a 1:31:054 while Nico Hulkenberg is a surprise name in second for Haas - three-tenths back!

Sergio Perez is down in third. Kevin Magnussen, Hulkenberg’s team-mate, is in fourth...

Alex Albon with a close shave!

19:28 , Kieran Jackson

Styled out well, mind...

George Russell having issues with his steering wheel 15 minutes into FP1

19:17 , Kieran Jackson

Straight out of the pit lane in Miami, George Russell complaining about difficulty steering his Mercedes car - looks like they’re going to spend some time fixing said problem in the garage.

Max Verstappen has gone fastest with a 1:32:465 on hard tyres, with Lewis Hamilton in second on mediums - half-a-second down. Carlos Sainz in third with Sergio Perez in fourth.

Nyck de Vries, meanwhile, had a bit of a spin at turn 11... of course, the Dutchman did not drive here last year!

Max Verstappen and George Russell didn’t mince their words

19:06 , Kieran Jackson

Did you hear? They had a collision in Baku...

We’re underway with first practice in Miami!

19:00 , Kieran Jackson

The sun is shining at the Miami International Autodrome as we get underway with FP1 at this unique street circuit around the Hard Rock Stadium!

Of course, as opposed to last week’s sprint weekend in Baku, we revert to a traditional F1 weekend in Florida: three practice sessions, qualifying and the race.

Who will set the early benchmark on Friday?*

*Answer: Red Bull!

Constructor Standings ahead of Miami:

18:58 , 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

18:55 , Kieran Jackson

F1 practice at the Miami Grand Prix

Good evening and welcome to live coverage on The Indepenent of practice 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 Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. What will happen this time around?

First practice on Friday starts in 10 minutes!

Here are the Driver Standings ahead of Miami:

18:49 , 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

Daniel Ricciardo attends his second race weekend of the season

18:41 , Kieran Jackson

Look who’s in the paddock this weekend!

And he’s talking to the man who axed him at McLaren!

Lewis Hamilton speaks about the coronation

18:29 , Kieran Jackson

Have to say, not overly surprised to hear that Lewis Hamilton doesn’t read his post!

Max Verstappen ‘spat his dummy out’ as George Russell opens up on ‘pathetic’ row

18:11 , Kieran Jackson

George Russell has claimed Max Verstappen “spat his dummy out” after the pair’s “pathetic” argument at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The two drivers clashed after colliding on the track during the sprint race in Baku. In a heated interaction off the track after Russell had into his Red Bull in the opening corners, Verstappen appeared to call Russell a “d*******” as the two argued.

Russell has now admitted to being surprised at Verstappen’s reaction, suggesting that the Dutchman’s response was “a little bit poor”.

Full story below:

Max Verstappen ‘spat his dummy out’ as George Russell opens up on ‘pathetic’ row

Esteban Ocon update after pit lane near-collision in Azerbaijan

17:59 , Kieran Jackson

A much-needed apology to Esteban Ocon...

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

17:44 , 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

F1 23 - what are the timings for the Miami Grand Prix?

17:24 , Kieran Jackson

The fifth race weekend of the 2023 season, the Miami Grand Prix, takes place from Friday 5 May - Sunday 7 May.

The schedule is as follows: first practice takes place at 7pm (BST) with FP2 at 10:30pm.

On Saturday, third practice takes place at 5:30pm before qualifying at 9pm (BST).

The race on Sunday has a start time of 8:30pm (BST).

Lewis Hamilton criticises Florida’s anti-LBGTQ measures ahead of Miami Grand Prix

17:14 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton has criticised anti-LGBTQ legislation in Florida and says he will wear a rainbow helmet at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.

The seven-time Formula One champion criticised the state’s controversial ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law, which prohibits public school teachers from teaching pupils about sexual orientation or gender identity.

Hamilton referenced oppression seen in Saudi Arabia after being asked about the measures, which were widened by Florida governor Ron DeSantis last month.

The 38-year-old Briton speaks out while racing in countries with questionable human rights records - including Saudi Arabia - or when an issue arises in which he feels his voice can lend support.

Lewis Hamilton criticises Florida’s anti-LBGTQ measures ahead of Miami Grand Prix

Max Verstappen urged to ‘take leaf out of Lewis Hamilton’s book’ after George Russell clash

17:10 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen should “take a leaf out of Lewis Hamilton’s book” given his clash with George Russell in Azerbaijan, says former F1 driver Anthony Davidson.

Double world champion Verstappen currently leads the 2023 standings by six points to team-mate Sergio Perez heading into this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix, with Red Bull dominant so far this season.

Yet in the sprint race last Saturday in Azerbaijan, Verstappen collided in a first-lap tussle with Mercedes driver Russell, resulting in damage on his car and an angry outburst from the Dutchman after the race.

Davidson, who raced 24 times in Formula 1 from 2002-2008, believes Verstappen should take a look at how Hamilton dealt with in-race scenarios in his years of dominance for Mercedes - insisting that the fiery Red Bull driver should be more conservative given his points advantage in the championship.

Full story below:

Verstappen urged to ‘take leaf out of Hamilton’s book’ after Russell clash

F1 2023 Miami Grand Prix could already have a problem – and it comes in the form of Las Vegas

17:05 , 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 practice at the Miami Grand Prix

17:01 , Kieran Jackson

Good evening and welcome to live coverage on The Indepenent of practice 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 Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. What will happen this time around?

First practice on Friday starts at 7pm (BST) with FP2 at 10:30pm!