Watch F1 Miami Grand Prix — Practice 2 Free.

What's at Stake

As the sun begins to set over the Miami International Autodrome, Practice 2 serves as the most critical session for race simulation and long-run data collection. With championship points at a premium in the early stages of the 2026 season, teams must master the high track temperatures to optimize tire degradation strategies for Sunday’s main event.

Form Guide

Heading into the Florida heat, the front-runners have shown varying levels of consistency across the opening flyaway rounds. While the defending champions remain the benchmark for aerodynamic efficiency, recent upgrades from the chasing pack have narrowed the gap, making every tenth of a second in these practice sessions vital for establishing the pecking order.

Key Players to Watch

• Max Verstappen — The Dutchman typically excels on high-grip street circuits and will be looking to fine-tune his setup for maximum top speed on the long straights.
• Charles Leclerc — Known for his qualifying prowess, Leclerc will focus on whether the Ferrari power unit can maintain its pace over a full race distance in humid conditions.
• Lewis Hamilton — With a massive local following in Miami, Hamilton remains a threat if Mercedes can find the right mechanical balance through the tight technical sector.

Prediction

Expect the session to be topped by a narrow margin as teams prioritize heavy fuel loads and tire management over outright qualifying laps. The Red Bull cars are likely to show the most consistent long-run pace, though a late soft-tire run from a McLaren or Ferrari could see them steal the fastest time of the evening.