Watch F1 Miami Grand Prix — Practice 1 Free.

What's at Stake

The Miami Grand Prix marks a critical juncture in the 2026 season as teams continue to refine their aerodynamic packages under the sport's evolving technical regulations. Practice 1 is essential for gathering data on the high-temperature surface around Hard Rock Stadium, where tire degradation and cooling efficiency will dictate the competitive order for the weekend ahead.

Form Guide

Heading into Florida, the championship battle has intensified with several teams showing improved pace on street-circuit layouts. Recent rounds have seen a tightening at the top of the standings, making these initial sixty minutes of track time vital for teams looking to establish a baseline setup and gain a psychological edge over their rivals.

Key Players to Watch

• Max Verstappen — The defending champion always looks to set the benchmark early on high-speed, technical sectors.
• Lando Norris — Having performed well on American soil previously, he remains a primary threat for the top of the timing sheets.
• Lewis Hamilton — The veteran driver often uses the first session to focus on long-run pace and experimental setups in the Miami heat.

Prediction

Expect a busy session with high lap counts as drivers navigate the dusty track surface early on. Red Bull is likely to lead the timing charts by the end of the hour, though the gap to the chasing pack will be minimal as teams prioritize data collection over outright qualifying simulations.