Ferrari's Charles Leclerc set the benchmark at 1:29.310 in a 90-minute opener, with Max Verstappen an encouraging 0.3s back in P2 — his best showing of the 2026 season. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli was denied a soft-tyre run after a power unit issue hit his Mercedes late in session, leaving him only P5 on harder compounds. Hamilton was fourth despite a near-miss with Hulkenberg's Audi.
After a demoralising start to the season with P9 in the championship, the Red Bull looked transformed in FP1. Verstappen was just three tenths off Leclerc on the softs, and the RB22 upgrade package — which makes the car "almost unrecognisable" — has raised cautious optimism in the garage. Miami could be Max's first real shot at a podium in 2026.
AccuWeather forecasts an 88% chance of rain and a 53% chance of thunderstorms on race day. A unique US law mandates that all outdoor public events must be suspended when lightning is approaching — which would ground the medical helicopter and force a red flag. The FIA has a contingency plan ready and is monitoring closely; Friday and Saturday are expected to remain dry.
The Silver Arrows' early-season dominance is under pressure. Ferrari's Macarena front wing and an extensively revised McLaren MCL40 — described as "almost unrecognisable" — both showed genuine pace in session. Russell was only P6 after a Turn 17 error on softs. Sprint Qualifying tonight will be the first real indicator of whether Mercedes can hold onto their advantage.