Sergio Perez boosts world championship hopes by taking pole in Miami; Charles Leclerc’s crash in Q3 ended session; Max Verstappen starts ninth after failing to set a time; watch the Miami GP live on Sky Sports F1 at 8:30pm on Sunday, build-up from 7pm
Last Updated: 06/05/23 10:33pm
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Charles Leclerc had a massive crash in his Ferrari towards the end of Q3, bringing out the red flag and in the process handing pole to Red Bull’s Sergio Perez
Charles Leclerc had a massive crash in his Ferrari towards the end of Q3, bringing out the red flag and in the process handing pole to Red Bull’s Sergio Perez
Sergio Perez claimed pole at the Miami Grand Prix as Charles Leclerc’s crash prematurely ended Qualifying and left Max Verstappen ninth on the grid.
Fernando Alonso took second for Aston Martin ahead of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, while there were surprise high finishes behind them for Haas’ Kevin Magnussen in fourth and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly in fifth.
Verstappen, who leads Red Bull team-mate Perez at the top of the drivers’ championship by six points, aborted his first attempt at a flying lap in the final part of Qualifying after an error and was then prevented from completing his second effort when Ferrari’s Leclerc hit the barrier at Turn 7.
The Dutchman, who is chasing a third successive drivers’ title, had appeared in a league of his own after topping second and third practice, but paid a heavy price for a momentary loss of control.
In contrast, Perez, who arrived in the US buoyed by a sprint and race victory in Azerbaijan last weekend, had admitted on Friday he was struggling with his driving around the Miami International Autodrome.
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Lewis Hamilton could only go 13th fastest as he failed to make it into Q3 for the first time in the United States
However, when it mattered most, the Mexican produced a strong lap that gives him a huge opportunity to secure a victory that would take him above Verstappen in the championship, with Red Bull seeking a fifth win in as many races this season.
George Russell was sixth for Mercedes, ahead of Leclerc and the other Alpine of Esteban Ocon, while Valtteri Bottas rounded out the top 10 for Alfa Romeo.
Earlier there had been surprise exits for Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, who starts 18th, and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, who was 13th.
Miami GP Qualifying Result
1) Sergio Perez, Red Bull
2) Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
3) Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
4) Kevin Magnussen, Haas
5) Pierre Gasly, Alpine
6) George Russell, Mercedes
7) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
8) Esteban Ocon, Alpine
9) Max Verstappen, Red Bull
10) Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo
More to follow…