Formula 1 remains busy at the 2026 Miami GP, and Charles Leclerc arrives confident after securing third place on the grid. The Ferrari driver highlighted the car’s evolution and sees the race as a real opportunity.
Read more F1 today? See the schedule and where to watch the 2026 Miami GP
The result represents the Monegasque’s best qualifying performance this season, reinforcing the team’s progress after recent updates. With rain forecast, the scenario may favor aggressive strategies and quick changes throughout the race.
Leclerc had a consistent Saturday, repeating third place in both the Sprint and the main qualifying. In the short race, he had a good start and overtook Kimi Antonelli early on, staying behind only the two McLarens. In the end, he also pressured Oscar Piastri but crossed the line in third.
In qualifying, the driver again showed competitiveness by advancing to Q3 and recording 1’28”143 on the first attempt, temporarily occupying second position. On the final lap, he could not improve and was overtaken by Max Verstappen, finishing third again.
Read more F1: Miami GP will have an early start due to risk of rain
“P3 is a solid position to start from and is my best qualifying result of the year,” Leclerc said. “We did a better job with the car today, both in the Sprint and qualifying, and I believe the aerodynamic package helped us, even if it is still not enough to lead.”
The driver also pointed out the influence of variable conditions on performance. “On the second lap in Q3, the car was very different, and the wind played an important role. Tomorrow we need a good start and we will see how it goes, there is a chance of rain and that can leave everything open,” he added.
Starting from the second row and with uncertain conditions, Leclerc bets on precise execution to turn the good pace into a strong result at the Miami GP.
Read more F1: Antonelli takes pole in Miami; Bortoleto starts last
