F1 Qualifying Stunner: Lewis Hamilton Suffers Shock Early Exit as McLaren Outpaced a…read more
F1 Qualifying Stunner: Lewis Hamilton Suffers Shock Early Exit as McLaren Outpaced at Miami Grand Prix
In a dramatic qualifying session ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton suffered a shock exit in Q1, failing to advance to the next stage after struggling for grip and pace around the tight street circuit.
The Ferrari driver, who had been expected to challenge near the front after a promising Friday showing, was visibly frustrated as he exited his car in P17, marking one of his worst qualifying results in recent memory.
“It just didn’t come together,” Hamilton said post-session. “The balance was off, and we couldn’t get the tires working. It’s a bitter pill to swallow.”
Meanwhile, McLaren, widely tipped to be Red Bull’s main threat in Miami, also found themselves on the back foot. Though both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri made it into Q3, neither could match the front-running pace. Norris qualified P6, while Piastri managed P7 — both behind the dominant Red Bulls and resurgent Mercedes.
At the front of the pack, it was Max Verstappen who roared back from Friday’s setbacks to snatch pole position with a blistering lap, followed closely by George Russell and Charles Leclerc, setting up a thrilling front-row fight for Sunday’s race.
Top 10 Qualifiers – Miami Grand Prix:
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. George Russell (Mercedes)
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
4. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
5. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
6. Lando Norris (McLaren)
7. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
8. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
9. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
10. Yuki Tsunoda (RB)
With Hamilton facing a difficult climb from the back and McLaren searching for answers, all eyes turn to Sunday’s Grand Prix — where strategy, weather, and nerves will play critical roles.
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