Kimi Antonelli produced a superb lap to claim pole position for the Miami Grand Prix ahead of Max Verstappen in a fresh twist to the formbook on Formula 1's return to action this weekend.

Mercedes' championship-leading Antonelli had earlier finished only sixth in the Sprint after a track limits penalty in a race dominated by McLaren, but the Italian teenager was back on top form in qualifying for Sunday's main event.

In a session in which all of the grid's 'big four' teams looked like they had a chance of taking pole, Antonelli delivered a storming first lap of Q3 time of 1:27.798 to serve as an ominous benchmark for his rivals.

And although an error at the start of his final lap meant he missed the chance to improve his time, Antonelli still ended up just under two tenths clear of Verstappen in second and three tenths clear of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in third.

But George Russell struggled again in the sister Mercedes and qualified only fifth, four tenths away from the increasingly-confident Antonelli who follows the legendary Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher in claiming the first three GP poles of his career in succession.

In a session in which both McLarens were hindered at different points by power glitches, Sprint victor Norris slipped to fourth and team-mate Oscar Piastri seventh. Lewis Hamilton was sixth, having finished third quickest in Q2.

More to follow…

Sunday May 3
5.25pm: F2 Feature Race
7pm: Miami GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
9pm: THE MIAMI GRAND PRIX*
11pm: Miami GP reaction: Chequered Flag*
12am: Ted's Notebook*

*Also on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula 1 is in Miami as the 2026 season resumes, watch live on Sky Sports F1 with Sunday's Grand Prix at 9pm. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime