F1 2025: Miami Grand Prix Sprint Race Grid Set as Red Bull’s Verstappen R….readmore
The starting grid for the 2025 Miami Grand Prix sprint race has been finalized, and it’s Mercedes’ young prodigy Kimi Antonelli who will lead the field from pole position. The 18-year-old Italian rookie delivered a sensational performance during Friday’s qualifying session, setting the fastest time at the Miami International Autodrome to secure the first pole of his Formula 1 career.
Antonelli’s remarkable lap put him narrowly ahead of McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, both of whom were in strong form. The McLaren pair, driving in the team’s signature papaya-colored cars, pushed hard but were ultimately unable to eclipse the Mercedes rookie’s pace. Antonelli’s pole is a significant milestone in his debut F1 season, marking him as a rising star with immense potential.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, meanwhile, is set to start from fourth position. Despite Red Bull fitting his car with an upgraded floor aimed at improving performance, Verstappen couldn’t quite match the blistering pace shown by the front-runners. His qualifying run lacked the usual dominance fans have come to expect, suggesting that either the upgrades are still being optimized or that the competition has closed the gap.
Verstappen’s teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, endured a frustrating qualifying session and will begin the sprint race from 18th on the grid. Tsunoda struggled to find rhythm throughout the session and was unable to extract performance from his Red Bull, leaving him with significant work to do if he hopes to score any points.
The grid shake-up adds another layer of excitement to what promises to be a thrilling sprint race in Miami. With a rookie on pole, experienced contenders right behind him, and a Red Bull out of position, the potential for surprises is high. Sprint races offer fewer laps and more intensity, giving little room for error and making each start and overtaking move crucial.
As the lights prepare to go out in Miami, all eyes will be on Antonelli to see if he can convert his maiden pole into a sprint victory. The grid is tightly packed, and with Verstappen eager to fight his way forward and McLaren poised for a challenge, fans can expect a fiercely competitive race.
