Why Mercedes' practice pace doesn't harm Red Bull's favourite tag at Miami GP

Mercedes appears revitalised as George Russell topped the practice times on the first day of track running at the new Miami International Autodrome, while both Ferrari and Red Bull hit trouble. Despite this, Red Bull still holds an advantage to worry its rivals

Two weeks on from George Russell topping FP2 for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Mercedes scored a repeat result as Formula 1’s first running in Miami ended – albeit a day earlier this time around.

But this wasn’t an extra meaningless sprint weekend second practice session. This was a ‘traditional’ FP2 – where qualifying pace and race-run data could be gathered before the cars are locked into parc ferme set-up restrictions - so assessments can therefore be made regarding grand prix form.

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Author Alex Kalinauckas

Alex Kalinauckas is Autosport's Grand Prix Editor, covering every Formula 1 race since the start of 2020. After completing a master's degree in journalism at Goldsmiths College University of London in 2014, he worked for a range of motorsport and technology publications while covering national racing as an Autosport freelancer.

A lifelong motorsport fan - no one in his family can explain quite how or why such a development first occurred - Alex joined the Autosport staff in April 2017 as the magazine’s Assistant Editor covering Formula 2 and GP3, before being made Formula E correspondent and Autosport.com’s Plus Editor in March 2018. He lives in north-east London and is constantly frustrated by the Central Line.