Lando Norris Takes Sprint Pole In Miami As McLaren Rebuilds Momentum

Lando Norris delivered a standout lap to secure pole position for the Miami Grand Prix Sprint qualifying, giving McLaren and the reigning Formula One champion a first pole of the 2026 season. Norris beat championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 0.222 seconds, with Oscar Piastri third and Charles Leclerc completing the front two rows.

The result ended a difficult early campaign for Norris, who arrived in Miami without a top-two finish from the last five races. That run, stretching back to Las Vegas 2023 and ending in Japan 2024, was Norris’ poorest sequence since then, and included further frustration during the opening events of 2026.

Norris began the year with fifth place in Australia, repeated the same result in Japan, and did not even start the Chinese Grand Prix due to a mechanical problem. Those setbacks increased pressure on McLaren’s latest upgrades, which were introduced for Miami Grand Prix Sprint qualifying after intensive work during the break.

After taking pole, Norris focused on recognising that effort and explained how the new package felt around the Miami International Autodrome. "A perfect result for us. A nice way to reward the team," said Norris. "We have a lot of new upgrades on the car. It’s nice to feel some grip again and to reward the guys and the girls that have put a lot of work into this. I’ve always loved Miami on and off the track. It’s the beginning of the weekend, so still a long way to go, but nice to tick things off by doing this."

McLaren’s strong showing in Miami Grand Prix Sprint qualifying was underlined by Piastri’s third place, confirming the team’s step forward on single-lap pace. Ferrari also featured near the front, with Leclerc in fourth and Lewis Hamilton seventh, suggesting a tighter contest among McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes in sprint trim.

George Russell, who won in Australia and finished second in China, found Miami Grand Prix Sprint qualifying much tougher. Russell placed sixth for Mercedes, 0.624 seconds slower than Norris and one place behind Max Verstappen, and admitted surprise at the pace McLaren and Ferrari showed throughout the day in the hot Florida conditions.

Russell reflected on the shift in order and highlighted that Mercedes had expected a smaller step from their rivals in Miami Grand Prix Sprint qualifying. "Pretty surprising how big a jump McLaren and Ferrari made. That’s pretty damn impressive," said Russell. "We knew they had probably closed the gap, but all day, they were quicker than us. From my side, I’ve been struggling. Miami is not a track I love, especially in those hotter conditions, but it’s only sprint qualifying, so let’s see what tomorrow brings."

The full top ten from Miami Grand Prix Sprint qualifying showed a mix of established names and newer drivers, with Franco Colapinto and Isack Hadjar both reaching the leading group for Alpine and Red Bull respectively. Pierre Gasly completed the top ten, giving Alpine two cars in the points-paying sprint positions.

The pole for Norris in Miami Grand Prix Sprint qualifying ended a lean spell and gave McLaren evidence that its development work is moving in a positive direction. With Antonelli, Piastri and Leclerc close behind, the sprint race grid promises a tight contest before attention switches to the main grand prix.