Several drivers encountered challenges during the Sprint qualifying session as they struggled to find the optimal performance of their tires. The current world champion, Max Verstappen, had a mixed experience during Friday’s practice at the Miami Street Circuit. Despite feeling unsettled in the RB20 during the Sprint qualifying, Verstappen managed to secure pole position with a decent lap.
Verstappen was taken aback when he learned that he had secured pole position. He expressed his surprise through team radio, emphasizing that he did not expect to claim P1 with his “terrible” final push lap in SQ3. Almost all the drivers faced difficulties extracting a solid lap from the soft tires during SQ3. Verstappen’s conversation with his race engineer reflected his astonishment at the situation.
Observing the reaction of the three-time world champion, it is evident that he was surprised that none of the other drivers could surpass his final SQ3 lap. His teammate’s final push lap only earned him third place. Verstappen shared his astonishment over securing pole position through team radio and later took to his social media platforms to discuss his challenging outing during the Sprint qualifying session.
Charles Leclerc, Verstappen’s closest rival during the Sprint, narrowly missed out on pole position. The Miami Street Circuit has proven to be a tricky track for all 20 F1 drivers. Its technical nature and the accumulation of dust throughout the day have made it slippery and challenging.
The highly anticipated Miami Sprint race is just a few hours away. Considering the struggles the drivers have faced on the 5.412 km long circuit, it would be advantageous for Max Verstappen to start strong and create a significant lead, allowing the other drivers to battle for the remaining podium positions. The upcoming Sprint event holds the potential for surprises.