Leclerc topped the timesheets as the 2026 F1 season resumed with Free Practice 1 for the Miami Grand Prix on Friday - the Ferrari driver leading the way from Red Bull rival Max Verstappen and McLaren's Oscar Piastri, while Mercedes faced early issues, Formula1.com reports.
Analysis:
With the extended layoff, most teams brought a host of upgrades to Miami this round. The team's used the longer opening practice as a means to shakedown and assess the upgrades. Leclerc's benchmark lap of 1:29.310 set the pace and was three-tenths ahead of Verstappen. Both Ferrari's looked to have good pace in this opening session, so Leclerc should be hopeful to challenge for the podium Sunday in Miami.
