New dad, same pace: Verstappen clinches Miami pole while Hamilton struggles with Ferrari setback MIAMI, May 4 — Red Bull’s Max Verstappen stormed to p

 MIAMI, May 4 — Red Bull’s Max Verstappen stormed to pole position for Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix with a blistering 1:26.204 lap in Saturday’s qualifying session.

The Dutchman edged out McLaren’s Lando Norris by just 0.065 seconds, while 18-year-old Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli impressed once again, securing third on the grid.

It was another setback for Lewis Hamilton in his debut Ferrari season, as the seven-time world champion was knocked out in Q2 and will start from 12th.

Verstappen’s aggressive push in the opening sector paid off, setting him up for a potential third victory in four years at the Miami circuit.

“It was a great qualifying session. We made a few small improvements and kept building throughout Q1, Q2, and Q3 — just pushing the limits each time. It worked out nicely, and I’m happy to be on pole,” said Verstappen.

As for race pace, the reigning world champion said conditions will be key. “We’ll have to wait and see, especially with the weather. Honestly, the cooler, the better. With the sprint format, no one really did long runs.”

The session followed Verstappen’s announcement on Friday that he had welcomed his first child, a daughter named Lily, with partner Kelly Piquet. Some had speculated that fatherhood might dull his edge — a notion Verstappen swiftly dismissed.

“I don’t pay attention to that kind of nonsense,” he said. “Many champions had kids and stayed at the top. I just focus on doing my job.”

‘A Max lap’

Norris, who had earlier claimed the sprint race win and is chasing another victory in Miami after last year’s triumph, admitted slight frustration but praised Verstappen.

"I’m happy with the day overall and with the progress I’ve made with the car,” said Norris. “Max did a ‘Max lap’ again. I can’t fault him. I didn’t put it all together, but the pace is there. I’m ready whether it’s wet or dry.”

Antonelli, who became the youngest pole-sitter in an F1 event after topping the sprint qualifying, continues to show promise despite finishing seventh in the sprint.

“This weekend’s going well,” said the Italian teenager. “Qualifying was a bit scrappy today — not a clean lap like yesterday — but I’m learning and putting things together.”

Ferrari endured a difficult session, with Charles Leclerc qualifying eighth and visibly frustrated.

“The feeling is not good. I did my best, and the best is P8 — that’s painful in a Ferrari. The two Williams ahead of us? I didn’t make mistakes... we’re just not quick enough,” said Leclerc.

Hamilton, who failed to reach Q3, echoed Leclerc’s concerns.

“We’re trying everything, but we’re really struggling,” he said. “We avoid big set-up changes, but the car feels different every time. Brakes, instability — the issues are adding up. Even getting into Q3 is a challenge for us.” — AFP