Miami Grand Prix: Perez Opens Pole Position Ahead of Alonso and Sainz
Mexican Sergio Perez, driving for Red Bull, will start from the front on Sunday in the United States, ahead of Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin and Carlos Sainz of Ferrari, as the Miami Grand Prix unfolds on a track built around Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
The session looked like a battle of nerves and precision. The Czech driver dominated qualifying, securing his third pole position in Formula 1 since his debut. A late red flag triggered by Charles Leclerc’s crash brought a one minute and 36 second pause, ending any chance of a follow-up lap for the Monaco standout. The fiercely hot 5412-meter track surrounding the NFL venue tested every driver, with Perez clocking a lap time of 1 minute 26.841 seconds. Alonso trailed by a margin that underscored the speed gap, while Sainz finished just behind, separated by a narrow advantage.
The standings in the drivers’ championship show Alonso sitting third, while Verstappen holds a significant lead in the points race with 93 tallied so far. Sainz sits fifth with 34 points, and Perez remains within striking distance, eyeing a podium in the Sunday race in Miami. The momentum reflects a season that has featured dramatic overtakes, strategic calls, and the constant push for peak performance on a circuit known for its high-speed sections and tight corners.
[Calendario de la temporada de Fórmula 1]
Sainz will start on the second row beside Denmark’s Kevin Magnussen of Haas, who vaulted to fourth in the session after the surprising pace shown during the main timed run. The crash that halted Leclerc’s run also impacted the rest of the grid, leaving the championship leader, Max Verstappen of Red Bull, in ninth place and with a leaderboard gap that could tighten if he wins on Sunday. Verstappen leads by six points over Perez, making the Miami race a focal point for the title chase.
French driver Pierre Gasly of Alpine and Briton George Russell of Mercedes will begin from the third row, with Leclerc dropping to seventh after the collapse in the SF-23. The grid also features strong runs from Esteban Ocon of Alpine in eighth and Leclerc aligned with him in a fourth-place row that didn’t translate into a podium in the end.
[Clasificación del Mundial de Fórmula 1]
The other Alpine driver, Esteban Ocon of France, will start eighth, sharing the fourth row with Leclerc. Verstappen and Finn Valtteri Bottas of Alfa Romeo will grapple with the midfield pack from the fifth row, aiming to carve through the field as the lights go out.
In the buildup to the weekend, Miami’s circuit layout, which hugs the Hard Rock Stadium and the surrounding hospitality districts, has been praised for presenting a challenging mix of long straights and corner combinations that demand both engine power and precise braking. The Miami Grand Prix returning to the calendar after last year’s debut added another chapter to the sport’s growth in North America, attracting a global audience and a strong Canadian and American following.
Miami GP qualifying results
- Sergio Perez
- Fernando Alonso
- Carlos Sainz
- Kevin Magnussen
- Pierre Gasly
- George Russell
- Charles Leclerc
- Esteban Ocon
- Max Verstappen
- Valtteri Bottas
The results set an intriguing stage for the race, where tire management, pit strategy, and weather conditions will play pivotal roles. With the pole position, Perez has the chance to translate Friday pace into a solid Sunday performance, while Alonso and Sainz look to capitalize on their front-row starts in a season that continues to deliver unpredictable twists and tactical depth.
Note: This report consolidates current practice, qualifying, and standings data as of today and reflects ongoing championship dynamics. Attributions will be provided in official race notes and FIA press material where available.
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