Watch Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix — Practice 1 Free.

What's at Stake

As the first session of the weekend at the Miami International Autodrome, Practice 1 is critical for teams to dial in their setups for the unique hybrid street circuit surface. With the 2026 technical regulations in full effect, this session serves as a vital data-gathering window for aerodynamic efficiency and power unit calibration on the long high-speed straights. Early momentum here can define the hierarchy for the rest of the weekend as drivers look to gain confidence between the tight concrete barriers.

Form Guide

Heading into the sunshine state, the championship battle has begun to stabilize following the early-season flyaway rounds. Teams with high-efficiency aero packages have shown the most consistency, while those struggling with tire degradation have faced difficulties on temporary circuits. Recent performances suggest a narrowing gap at the front of the grid, making every minute of track time in Miami essential for maintaining a competitive edge.

Key Players to Watch

• Max Verstappen — The Dutchman remains the benchmark for precision on street circuits and will look to establish dominance from the first out-lap.
• Lewis Hamilton — Always a favorite in the United States, his ability to provide technical feedback will be crucial for his team’s weekend progression.
• Charles Leclerc — Known for his qualifying pace, Leclerc’s approach to finding the limit early in practice often sets the tone for the Scuderia’s weekend.

Prediction

Expect a busy session with high lap counts as teams prioritize long-run data over outright qualifying simulations. Max Verstappen is likely to finish the session at the top of the timing charts, utilizing his clinical consistency to master the dusty track conditions. However, the gap to the chasing pack will likely be less than two-tenths of a second as the grid continues to adapt to the 2026 machinery.