F1 LIVE | Qualifying for the 2023 Miami Grand Prix

Qualifying for the 2023 Miami Grand Prix is about to get underway. Will Charles Leclerc beat Red Bull again, or will normal service resume around the Miami International Autodrome with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez fighting it out for P1? You can find out by following the GPblog liveblow below.

Qualifying | Miami Grand Prix

Verstappen up for it again

Verstappen didn't have the best weekend in Azerbaijan last time out. The F1 World Championship leader lost out in the pitstops to teammate Perez who then put in a strong performance. In Miami, eyes are once again on Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. The two drivers seem very close in 2023, ensuring the championship is still somewhat exciting. The first two races were split between the two drivers, but who will be the first to take his third win of the year?

During qualifying in Miami, the F1 drivers will try to go as fast as possible around the circuit in the hunt for pole position. Red Bull aside, the field is extremely tight, with plenty of drivers capable of reaching Q3. Should Red Bull falter, Ferrari, Mercedes or even Aston Martin might be on hand to pick up the pieces.

Last weekend, Ferrari and Charles Leclerc had really strong single-lap pace and therefore secured both pole positions. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will hope their Mercedes car can continue to be stronger, whilst Fernando Alonso hopes to return to the front after Baku didn't suit his car.

The weekend so far

Surprisingly, George Russell led a Mercedes one-two in the first free practice session. Fitted with new parts in the power unit, Mercedes turned their engines up slightly more than others and completed their fastest laps when the circuit was in the best condition. Normal service resumed in FP2, where Verstappen took control of P1.

The long-run data also put Verstappen and Red Bull ahead of their rivals. It seems like they have the weekend wrapped up, but the third free practice session will indicate whether their opponents have made some improvements overnight. The weather is also expected to play a part in proceedings, with some showers forecast later today and on Sunday.