Max Verstappen fastest on Friday with new Miami track record
Max Verstappen was fastest overall in Friday practice at the Miami Grand Prix as he set a new track record.
Max Verstappen was fastest on track on Friday in Miami. (Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool)
The Red Bull driver set a lap of 1:27.930 in Free Practice 2, almost a second faster than the pole position set by Charles Leclerc in qualifying last year.
"Today was a good day," said Verstappen.
"Initially we were getting used to the track with the new tarmac, it was ramping up a lot throughout the day. It’s still quite slippery off line but on the driving line it’s okay."
"Most importantly today we had good balance in the car so I feel happy. There are still a few things we want to look at overnight, ideally we want to be faster on every corner, which isn’t always possible."
"We’ll have to see what the weather will do tomorrow, but overall it’s been a positive day."
Max Verstappen on track during practice in Miami. (Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool)
George Russell was fastest in Free Practice 1 after sitting out the early stages of the session while Mercedes removed a prototype part from his steering. Lewis Hamilton was second fastest, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc third after drivers completed a series of soft tyre runs late in the session.
The biggest unknown of the session was the new track surface at the Miami International Autodrome, resurfaced after the track began to break up during the inaugural event last year. Drivers found it difficult to find the racing line through some corners, with the first sector proving especially challenging. Nico Hulkenberg ran wide in turn three and spun, hitting the wall heavily and bringing out the red flag.
Max Verstappen went faster in Free Practice 2 to set the time of the day, despite complaints that his HANS protection device was uncomfortable. Carlos Sainz was second-fastest for Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc once again third.
Leclerc was out of the session with ten minutes remaining when he suffered a snap of oversteer in turn seven and went straight into the barriers.
Tyre analysis from Friday in Miami - click to expand. (Pirelli)
Between the new surface and faster cars for the 2023 season, Pirelli says their analysis from Friday shows circuit is offering low mechanical grip but good adhesion.
These factors "led to some overheating on the rear tyres," according to chief engineer Simone Berra.
Pirelli estimates that the yellow Medium tyre is 0.7 seconds slower than the soft compound, with the white hard tyre another second slower than the medium.
"There was also graining seen on the medium and soft, not only on the rear tyres but also on the fronts, which are heavily worked at this circuit. The hard tyres showed themselves to be very consistent."
"We’ll see how the track improves tomorrow, taking weather conditions into account as well. Cloudier skies are expected, with a significant possibility of rain on Sunday."
Running at the Miami Grand Prix resumes with Free Practice 3 at 2.30am on Sunday (AEST) before Qualifying at 6.00am, with the 2023 Miami Grand Prix is underway at 5.30am on Monday.
Watch every session of the Formula One World Championship on Kayo Sports - Get your free trial now!
