{"id":1913513,"date":"2026-05-01T17:37:08","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T14:37:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1913513"},"modified":"2026-05-01T17:37:08","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T14:37:08","slug":"charles-leclerc-fastest-in-upgraded-ferrari-mercedes-on-back-foot-at-f1-miami-grand-prix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1913513","title":{"rendered":"Charles Leclerc fastest in upgraded Ferrari, Mercedes on back foot at F1 Miami Grand Prix"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406515_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Charles Leclerc fastest in upgraded Ferrari, Mercedes on back foot at F1 Miami Grand Prix<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Charles Leclerc sets impressive pace for Ferrari, as Mercedes hit early trouble in Miami.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Lewis Larkam <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-05-01T18:37:08+01:00\">01 May 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406515_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406515_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406515_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406515_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406515_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406515_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406515_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406515_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406515_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Leclerc put his upgraded Ferrari top in FP1<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Charles Leclerc set the pace in his upgraded Ferrari as Mercedes started off on the back foot as the 2026 Formula 1 season resumed at the Miami Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>The Monegasque made the most of the vast updates introduced by Ferrari in Miami to produce a 1m29.310 and end up quickest by 0.297 seconds from Max Verstappen in his Red Bull, which is also sporting a major upgrade including an eye-catching version of Ferrari\u2019s unique upside-down rear wing.<\/p>\n<p>Oscar Piastri was third-fastest for McLaren, whose revised MCL40 has been dubbed as a \u201ccompletely new car\u201d, with the Australian 0.448s adrift.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>2026 F1 Miami Grand Prix: Full Friday practice results after FP1<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Lewis Hamilton finished fourth-fastest in the other Ferrari but lagged some 0.467s behind team-mate Leclerc, who bettered his own benchmark with a late improvement.<\/p>\n<p>It was not a smooth session for Mercedes, who has been the team to beat so far in 2026, winning all three of the opening races in Australia, China and Japan.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Championship leader Kimi Antonelli was fastest on hard tyres but a power unit problem denied him the opportunity to complete a soft tyre run at the end of the sole practice session, which was extended to give teams and drivers extra track time to adjust to rule changes that are being implemented from this weekend after an enforced five-week break.<\/p>\n<p>Team-mate George Russell was sixth and nearly eight-tenths off the pace after a scrappy lap which saw the Mercedes driver run deep at the final corner.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-ecc386693be26783a23391c7d123a7b96b796d2a8c9f0f6cf63bfa19dc0088ee\">  F1 Miami Grand Prix: Full starting grid for the sprint   Russell taken aback by \u2018impressive\u2019 McLaren, Ferrari improvement <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Reigning world champion Lando Norris was only seventh but saw his soft tyre run ruined as he was forced to take evasive action to avoid Alex Albon\u2019s Williams at Turn 17, leaving the McLaren driver with an unrepresentative time.<\/p>\n<p>Pierre Gasly, Isack Hadjar and Carlos Sainz rounded out the top-10 order for Alpine, Red Bull and Williams respectively.<\/p>\n<p>Aston Martin faced a delayed start to practice with both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll stuck in the garage with a Honda power unit problem.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-ce87bcc46e57e74cff789aa7b4e7b6c151e1a93fe1283db489077377ae6ae10b\">  Hamilton &#8220;hoped it would be better&#8221; as he bemoans lack of Ferrari pace   Max Verstappen can \u201ctrust\u201d Red Bull car now after F1 Miami upgrades <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>When they eventually joined the action, they ended up towards the bottom of the timesheets, with Alonso taking 19th, ahead of Cadillac\u2019s Valtteri Bottas, Arvid Lindblad in the Racing Bulls, and team-mate Stroll.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It is straight into competitive action next for the drivers, with sprint qualifying taking place at 9.30pm UK time.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Miami International Autodrome, Miami Gardens, Florida <\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">McLaren<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Mercedes<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Ferrari<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">George Russell<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Andrea Kimi Antonelli<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Red Bull<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Lewis Hamilton<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Max Verstappen<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Lando Norris<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Oscar Piastri<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Red Bull unleashes copy of Ferrari \u2018Macarena\u2019 rear wing at F1 Miami Grand Prix<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406367_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406367_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406367_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406367_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406367_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406367_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406367_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406367_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406367_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> 2026 F1 Miami Grand Prix: Full sprint qualifying and Friday practice results<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406518_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406518_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406518_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406518_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406518_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406518_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406518_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406518_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406518_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-c4b488e827c3d18e359603f463589b017b2905882941fcf5470b93a0aae6aac6\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Lewis Larkam<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Lewis regularly attends Grands Prix for Crash.net around the world. Often reporting on the action from the ground, Lewis tells the stories of the people who matter in the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-53a9c4d471fddba5304ecfc1e96dada93e9e99879b8eddecc82f293471bff802\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Norris breaks Mercedes&#8217; qualifying streak with Miami F1 sprint pole<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1777670532\"> 2h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1407064_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Norris celebrates his first pole of 2026\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>McLaren plays down Red Bull claims Lambiase will replace Stella<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1777667291\"> 3h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406137_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Lambiase is leaving Red Bull to join McLaren\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Red Bull denies copying Ferrari\u2019s rotating F1 rear wing innovation<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1777659128\"> 5h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406496_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Red Bull's rear wing caused a stir in Miami \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Red Bull unleashes copy of Ferrari \u2018Macarena\u2019 rear wing<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1777653201\"> 7h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406367_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Red Bull's updated RB22 features an 'upside down' rear wing\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Extensive Ferrari updates revealed ahead of F1 Miami GP<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1777650284\"> 8h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/whatsapp-image-2026-05-01-at-15.57.18.jpeg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Ferrari's upgraded 2026 F1 challenger (pic: Adam Cooper)\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>How to watch F1 Miami GP as 2026 season resumes with tweaked rules<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1777647600\"> 8h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-04\/si202505043211.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"The 2026 F1 season resumes with the Miami Grand Prix\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Charles Leclerc sets impressive pace for Ferrari, as Mercedes hit early trouble in Miami.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Charles Leclerc set the pace in his upgraded Ferrari as Mercedes started off on the back foot as the 2026 Formula 1 season resumed at the Miami Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>The Monegasque made the most of the vast updates introduced by Ferrari in Miami to produce a 1m29.310 and end up quickest by 0.297 seconds from Max Verstappen in his Red Bull, which is also sporting a major upgrade including an eye-catching version of Ferrari\u2019s unique upside-down rear wing.<\/p>\n<p>Oscar Piastri was third-fastest for McLaren, whose revised MCL40 has been dubbed as a \u201ccompletely new car\u201d, with the Australian 0.448s adrift.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>2026 F1 Miami Grand Prix: Full Friday practice results after FP1<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Lewis Hamilton finished fourth-fastest in the other Ferrari but lagged some 0.467s behind team-mate Leclerc, who bettered his own benchmark with a late improvement.<\/p>\n<p>It was not a smooth session for Mercedes, who has been the team to beat so far in 2026, winning all three of the opening races in Australia, China and Japan.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Championship leader Kimi Antonelli was fastest on hard tyres but a power unit problem denied him the opportunity to complete a soft tyre run at the end of the sole practice session, which was extended to give teams and drivers extra track time to adjust to rule changes that are being implemented from this weekend after an enforced five-week break.<\/p>\n<p>Team-mate George Russell was sixth and nearly eight-tenths off the pace after a scrappy lap which saw the Mercedes driver run deep at the final corner.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-ecc386693be26783a23391c7d123a7b96b796d2a8c9f0f6cf63bfa19dc0088ee\">  F1 Miami Grand Prix: Full starting grid for the sprint   Russell taken aback by \u2018impressive\u2019 McLaren, Ferrari improvement <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Reigning world champion Lando Norris was only seventh but saw his soft tyre run ruined as he was forced to take evasive action to avoid Alex Albon\u2019s Williams at Turn 17, leaving the McLaren driver with an unrepresentative time.<\/p>\n<p>Pierre Gasly, Isack Hadjar and Carlos Sainz rounded out the top-10 order for Alpine, Red Bull and Williams respectively.<\/p>\n<p>Aston Martin faced a delayed start to practice with both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll stuck in the garage with a Honda power unit problem.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-ce87bcc46e57e74cff789aa7b4e7b6c151e1a93fe1283db489077377ae6ae10b\">  Hamilton &#8220;hoped it would be better&#8221; as he bemoans lack of Ferrari pace   Max Verstappen can \u201ctrust\u201d Red Bull car now after F1 Miami upgrades <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>When they eventually joined the action, they ended up towards the bottom of the timesheets, with Alonso taking 19th, ahead of Cadillac\u2019s Valtteri Bottas, Arvid Lindblad in the Racing Bulls, and team-mate Stroll.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It is straight into competitive action next for the drivers, with sprint qualifying taking place at 9.30pm UK time.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Charles Leclerc set the pace in his upgraded Ferrari as Mercedes started off on the back foot as the 2026 Formula 1 season resumed at the Miami Grand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>The Monegasque made the most of the vast updates introduced by Ferrari in Miami to produce a 1m29.310 and end up quickest by 0.297 seconds from Max Verstappen in his Red Bull, which is also sporting a major upgrade including an eye-catching version of Ferrari\u2019s unique upside-down rear wing.<\/p>\n<p>Oscar Piastri was third-fastest for McLaren, whose revised MCL40 has been dubbed as a \u201ccompletely new car\u201d, with the Australian 0.448s adrift.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>2026 F1 Miami Grand Prix: Full Friday practice results after FP1<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Lewis Hamilton finished fourth-fastest in the other Ferrari but lagged some 0.467s behind team-mate Leclerc, who bettered his own benchmark with a late improvement.<\/p>\n<p>It was not a smooth session for Mercedes, who has been the team to beat so far in 2026, winning all three of the opening races in Australia, China and Japan.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Championship leader Kimi Antonelli was fastest on hard tyres but a power unit problem denied him the opportunity to complete a soft tyre run at the end of the sole practice session, which was extended to give teams and drivers extra track time to adjust to rule changes that are being implemented from this weekend after an enforced five-week break.<\/p>\n<p>Team-mate George Russell was sixth and nearly eight-tenths off the pace after a scrappy lap which saw the Mercedes driver run deep at the final corner.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-ecc386693be26783a23391c7d123a7b96b796d2a8c9f0f6cf63bfa19dc0088ee\">  F1 Miami Grand Prix: Full starting grid for the sprint   Russell taken aback by \u2018impressive\u2019 McLaren, Ferrari improvement <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Reigning world champion Lando Norris was only seventh but saw his soft tyre run ruined as he was forced to take evasive action to avoid Alex Albon\u2019s Williams at Turn 17, leaving the McLaren driver with an unrepresentative time.<\/p>\n<p>Pierre Gasly, Isack Hadjar and Carlos Sainz rounded out the top-10 order for Alpine, Red Bull and Williams respectively.<\/p>\n<p>Aston Martin faced a delayed start to practice with both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll stuck in the garage with a Honda power unit problem.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-ce87bcc46e57e74cff789aa7b4e7b6c151e1a93fe1283db489077377ae6ae10b\">  Hamilton &#8220;hoped it would be better&#8221; as he bemoans lack of Ferrari pace   Max Verstappen can \u201ctrust\u201d Red Bull car now after F1 Miami upgrades <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>When they eventually joined the action, they ended up towards the bottom of the timesheets, with Alonso taking 19th, ahead of Cadillac\u2019s Valtteri Bottas, Arvid Lindblad in the Racing Bulls, and team-mate Stroll.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It is straight into competitive action next for the drivers, with sprint qualifying taking place at 9.30pm UK time.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1093887\/1\/charles-leclerc-fastest-upgraded-ferrari-mercedes-back-foot-miami-f1&#8243;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-05\/xpb_1406515_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Charles Leclerc fastest in upgraded Ferrari, Mercedes on back foot at F1 Miami Grand Prix Charles Leclerc sets impressive pace for Ferrari, as Mercedes hit early trouble in Miami. Lewis Larkam 01 May 2026 Share Leclerc put his upgraded Ferrari top in FP1 Add as a preferred source Charles Leclerc set the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1913513","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1913513","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1913513"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1913513\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1913513"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1913513"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1913513"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}