FROM THE ENROLLED TO MIAMI. The Mercedes is seen in the lead again during a Formula 1 session. It happens in free practice for the Miami Grand Prix: on the first day on the new semi-permanent circuit built around the Dolphins American football stadium, George Russell sets the best time in 1’29 ” 938, the only driver capable of going under one and a half minutes. Behind him is Charles Leclerc (at 0 ” 106), who had finished ahead of the first session, the slowest one. Ferrari, therefore, is in good shape after the disappointment of Imola two weeks ago, but only half smiles. Reason: Carlos Sainz, who was the fastest at the time, ended up in the front end and did heavy damage to the left suspension and is in danger of changing the gearbox. The Spaniard is unable to get out of this moment of crisis, dominated by his teammate after beating him in 2021.
In third place we find Sergio Perez with the only Red Bull on the track (0 ” 212). That of Max Verstappen immediately returned to the pits due to problems with the steering and the right rear brake, with a start of fire. The world champion failed to do the race simulation. «For Max it was a horrible day – comments Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal -. For a small problem we decided to replace the gearbox, then a failure in the hydraulic system damaged the brakes ».
Lewis Hamilton is also recovering, 4th, fast but still behind his teammate Russell (0 ” 241). the British driver took a drastic stance against the FIA, which wants to deny him the right to wear all his silverware: he showed up at the official press conference wearing 3 watches, 8 rings and 4 necklaces. He says he is ready to boycott the race if he is forced to remove them. Following: 5. Alonso (Alpine); 6. Norris (McLaren); 7. Gasly (AlphaTauri); 8. Zhou (Alfa Romeo); 9. Ocon (Alpine); 10. Magnussen (Haas).
The program: today (Saturday): 7pm free practice, 10pm qualifying. Tomorrow at 9.30 pm the race (all sessions on Sky F1). Drivers standings: 1. Leclerc (Ferrari) 86; 2. Verstappen (Red Bull) 59; 3. Perez (Red Bull) 54; 4. Russell (Mercedes) 49; 5. Sainz (Ferrari) 38; 6. Norris (McLaren) 35; 7. Hamilton (Mercedes) 28. Constructors: 1. Ferrari 124; 2. Red Bull 113; 3. Mercedes 77. 4. McLaren 46; 5. Alfa Romeo 25.