Reigning world champion Max Verstappen continued his dominant streak in Formula 1 by securing his seventh consecutive pole position at the Miami Grand Prix. This achievement followed his pole position in the sprint race on Friday, where he ultimately clinched victory. However, similar to the sprint qualifying format, many drivers struggled to maintain consistency during the final runs of Q3, failing to significantly improve their positions.
Verstappen’s initial time of 1m27.241s in Q3 stood as the pole-winning lap, as he was unable to improve upon it. Despite attempts from his competitors, including Charles Leclerc, who came closest but fell short by 0.141s, Verstappen retained his pole position. The challenging track conditions, characterized by hot weather and a slippery surface, made it difficult for drivers to optimize their performance on the soft tires.
Verstappen expressed frustration with the unpredictable nature of the track conditions, stating that it was challenging to string together a perfect lap. Despite the difficulties, he acknowledged the improvements made to his Red Bull car since the sprint race, thanks to setup changes during the parc ferme break between the sprint and grand prix qualifying sessions. Verstappen felt a better connection and predictability in his car, which he hoped would benefit him in the upcoming race.
For the grand prix, Verstappen finds himself with both Ferrari drivers, Carlos Sainz, and Charles Leclerc, directly behind him on the starting grid. Despite this, he remains confident and focused on his own performance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a satisfactory balance during the race. Verstappen believes that if his car performs within a better window than it did during the sprint race, he can maintain his competitive edge and secure a successful weekend in Miami.
Max Verstappen’s dominance in Formula 1 continued as he secured pole position for the Miami Grand Prix, extending his streak to seven consecutive pole positions. Despite challenges posed by the track conditions and the inconsistent performances of other drivers, Verstappen maintained his composure and confidence in his abilities.
With improvements made to his car setup, he aims to capitalize on his pole position and secure victory in the upcoming race, focusing on controlling what is within his team’s capabilities and delivering a strong performance on race day.