F1 Miami GP Live Commentary and Updates – Sprint race & Qualifying
Saturday's action from the sixth round of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
F1 runs its second sprint race event of the season, with Max Verstappen taking pole during Friday’s sprint race qualifying ahead of Charles Leclerc. Lando Norris led the opening two segments of sprint race qualifying but faded to ninth in SQ3.
The Miami GP sprint race starts at 5pm BST (12pm local time) followed by grand prix qualifying at 9pm BST (4pm local time).
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The grid is cleared of mechanics so we are moments away from the formation lap.
Tyres alert: As expected, there's a lot of mediums on show. Everyone is on mediums apart from Tsunoda and Sargeant who have gambled on the softs.
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Newey might be on his way out of Red Bull but it isn't stopping him from keeping an eye on the competition...
Photo by: Filip Cleeren
Let's talk tyres. Due to the sprint race schedule and the red flag during practice, drivers have had minimal time for race runs. Going on last year's data, making the soft tyre last for the sprint race is going to be a big ask but the mediums look a safe bet.
Penalty
Ocon has been given a 10-second penalty for the pitlane clash with Leclerc. That's his sprint race ruined.
Back to yesterday, Verstappen came out on top of a weird pole position shootout from Leclerc and Perez, while Ricciardo put in an impressive performance to take fourth for RB - despite hitting the wall twice during qualifying!
But due to Albon going to the pitlane and Bottas only qualifying 18th before his penalty, the reality is he's only been put back one spot behind Sargeant on the grid.
Elsewhere, there has been some grid shuffling. Albon will start the sprint race from the pitlane after Williams made set-up changes to his car. Bottas has been given a three-place grid penalty for impeding Piastri during sprint race qualifying.
Both Ocon and Leclerc have made it to the grid and appear to be OK to start the race from their grid positions. Leclerc lines up second while Ocon is in 13th.
A closer inspection to Leclerc's Ferrari reveals the contact with Ocon was flush to the right-rear wheel and rim, so the team can change that with no trouble. The floor and sidepod was untouched.
Quote
Leclerc over team radio: "The guy was completely sleeping, I don't know who that was but even the mechanics were telling him to stop I think."
The incident has been placed under investigation by the stewards and this one looks very clearcut - Ocon just went straight into the side of Leclerc. It appears, somehow, the Ferrari hasn't sustained any damage.
Crash
We interrupt this Friday recap for real-time action. Leclerc and Ocon have clashed in the pitlane, the Alpine driver was released into the path of the oncoming Ferrari and Ocon has suffered a broken front wing.
Verstappen grabbed sprint race pole despite feeling his pole shootout lap was "terrible" - but it appeared all the top 10 contenders struggled and were sliding around on the switch to softs.
The pitlane is open and the drivers are on their way to the grid. In case you missed any of the action yesterday, let us give you a quick round-up.
Green flag
Hello everyone! How are we all doing? It is nearly time for the Miami GP sprint race!
By: Autosport Staff
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