Miami GP F1 practice: Oliver Bearman crashes and Oscar Piastri fastest

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

Ollie Bearman crashed near the end of practice, which brought out the red flag - Brian Snyder/Reuters

• Sprint qualifying at 9.30pm BST

You must be registered for see images attach

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri set the pace in the one and only practice session ahead of sprint qualifying later on Friday evening.

A crash by Britain’s Ollie Bearman (Haas) with minutes remaining of the session denied the Australian’s team mate Lando Norris the chance to set a final time. Norris had just gone quickest in the middle sector when the red flags came out.

“I’m fine, sorry,” Bearman told his Haas pit wall as he climbed out of his car.

Championship leader Piastri, who is aiming to win his third race in a row, was 0.356sec quicker than Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, with new father Max Verstappen third fastest in the Red Bull.

Verstappen jetted in overnight following the birth of his first child, a daughter Lily, with partner Kelly Piquet.

Miami organisers earlier announced a 10-year extension to the race which means it will remain on the calendar until at least 2041.

---

06:49 PM BST​

Sprint qualifying up next​

The one and only practice session is done and dusted and we will be back in a few hours for sprint qualifying, which begins at 9.30pm BST.

---

06:48 PM BST​

Christian Horner speaking to Sky​

“It is hot, it is tough. The kerbs look pretty brutal on these cars. Everyone is running so stiff that the cars are aggressive on the kerbs.

“It is a Sprint weekend, so anything can happen. Everyone has adapted to the challenge a Sprint brings but it is intense for the engineers.”

---

06:46 PM BST​

Pressure on Bearman​

The Haas driver will be hoping there is not too much damage to his car after that late crash.

You must be registered for see images attach

Not the ideal end to practice for Ollie Bearman - Charly Triballeau/Getty Images

---

06:44 PM BST​

Piastri quickest​

The Australian leads the Drivers’ Championship and will take confidence into sprint qualifying later.

You must be registered for see images attach

Oscar Piastri fastest in the one and onlr practice session - Charly Triballeau/Getty Images

---

06:41 PM BST​

Full top ten​

1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 1:27.128

3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.356

3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +0.430

4. Carlos Sainz (Williams) +0.550

5. Alex Albon (Williams) +0.827

6. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) +0.840

7. George Russell (Mercedes) +0.930

8. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) +1.027

9. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +1.099

10. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) +1.115

---

06:33 PM BST​

Anthony Davidson on Sky​

“In many ways, the less they learn, the most entertaining it is for us.

“Frustration for most of the grid though with the timing of that red flag. [Ollie] Bearman might be off some people’s Christmas cards with that mistake!”

---

06:32 PM BST​

Top five in practice​

1. Piastri 1:27.128
2. Leclerc +0.356
3. Verstappen +0.430
4. Sainz +0.550
5. Albon +0.827

---

06:30 PM BST​

End of session​

With that incident coming pretty late in the session, that will be the final running of this session. That means the likes of Russell, Hamilton and Norris did not complete a flying lap on the softs. Norris was two thirds of the way through his and was set to go second.

Piastri tops the timesheets in the one and only practice session.

---

06:27 PM BST​

Red flag!​

Norris will not be able to complete that lap as the red flag is out. Norris was just over a tenth down on his teammate Piastri through two sectors.

The back stepped out on Bearman through turn 12 and he hit the barrier.

Red flag!

Ollie Bearman spins into the barrier pic.twitter.com/Fhaap5rOG0

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) May 2, 2025

---

06:26 PM BST​

Piastri takes top spot​

The Dutchman goes faster than Sainz by just over a tenth of a second. Leclerc then goes faster than Verstappen before Piastri takes the top spot with three purple sectors. It is a 1:27.128 for the Australian, over three tenths clear of Leclerc.

Just as Norris was two thirds of the way through his flying lap, Bearman has hit the wall and is facing the wrong way at turn 12.

---

06:20 PM BST​

Sainz fastest​

The Williams man was third on the mediums but he has just gone top of the timesheets with a 1:27.678, just under four tenths clear. Albon tucks in behind him in second, +0.277 off his teammate.

You must be registered for see images attach

Carlos Sainz goes quickest - Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images

---

06:18 PM BST​

Hulkenberg goes ninth​

A lot of drivers are in the pits but the German is out on the softs. He goes into ninth place, just over half a second off Russell, whose fastest time was done on a set of mediums. Plenty of drivers are getting ready to head out on softs.

Alonso also does a lap on the soft tyre and relegates Hulkenberg to tenth as the Spaniard goes eighth fastest.

---

06:14 PM BST​

Getting some rhythm​

Plenty of laps being done by most of the drivers except really Hulkenberg, who has done just seven laps, eight laps fewer than anyone else. He is the only man to go on the softs thus far but is down in 19th.

---

06:10 PM BST​

Top five with 20 minutes to go​

1. Russell 1:28.058
2. Antonelli +0.169
3. Sainz +0.253
4. Piastri +0.284
5. Norris +0.333

You must be registered for see images attach

George Russell currently leading the way in practice - Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images

---

06:08 PM BST​

Nearly a huge crash​

McLaren would have had their hearts in their mouths for a moment there. Norris was hurtling towards turn 17 and a slow-moving Ocon was trundling on the racing line. Only quick reactions from Norris prevents what would have been a massive crash.

Zak Brown has just said to Sky Sports that he is expecting all the teams to do a late run on the softs at the end of this session.

Close call between Lando Norris and Esteban Ocon ️ pic.twitter.com/KUTiAbJB9b

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) May 2, 2025

---

06:04 PM BST​

Just under half an hour to go​

We are yet to see anyone venture out on the soft tyre but you would imagine the drivers and teams will want to try that tyre out as this is the only practice session of the weekend.

As I speak though Hulkenberg has gone out on a set of softs but is down in 19th currently in his Sauber.

---

05:56 PM BST​

Changes!​

Verstappen has come into the pits and there are plenty of mechanics working on his front suspension, making some early changes. With only an hour of practice before sprint qualifying, every minute matters and comfort in the set-up is vital.

Back on the track, it is currently a Mercedes one-two as Antonelli goes second, just under two tenths behind his teammate Russell.

---

05:53 PM BST​

Top five​

1. Russell 1:28.058
2. Sainz +0.253
3. Norris +0.333
4. Albon +0.387
5. Verstappen +0.548

---

05:51 PM BST​

“Big moment”​

Russell may be top of the timesheets currently but he has just had a tricky moment at the chicane at turns 14 and 15. He managed to hold and control that moment which could have resulted in him slamming into the barriers.

"That was a big moment!"

George Russell is already testing the limits at the chicane ‍#F1#MiamiGPpic.twitter.com/WaiZ7qKFed

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 2, 2025

---

05:43 PM BST​

Russell fastest​

The Mercedes man has gone to the top of the timesheets with a 1:28.488, despite the Englishman complaining over team radio about the feel of the car.

You must be registered for see images attach

George Russell is fourth in the Drivers’ Standings - Chandan Khanna/Getty Images

---

05:41 PM BST​

Norris under investigation​

The stewards will investigate an unsafe release on Norris and McLaren, when he accidentally had a torch in his cockpit. If found guilty, that will likely be a fine for the team rather than any punishment for Norris himself.

Back out on track Verstappen has gone quickest with a 1:28.634.

---

05:36 PM BST​

Verstappen goes fastest, then usurped by Russell​

Most of the drivers are out on mediums, other than the two RB’s of Hadjar and Lawson.

He is a new dad and Verstappen has gone to the top of the timesheets, two tenths ahead of Piastri. He is not fastest for long though as Russell goes just quicker.

---

05:34 PM BST​

New father​

Verstappen has just become a father to daughter Lily and he has made his way onto the track with an upgraded floor on his Red Bull.

Very early doors but Piastri goes top of the timesheets on a set of medium tyres.

Norris comes over the team radio and has complained about a few things in his cockpit. He comes into the pits and removes what looks like a torch! Very strange!

You must be registered for see images attach

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen is now a dad - Hector Vivas/Getty Images

---

05:30 PM BST​

Go, go, go!​

The green light is showing at the end of the pit lane and practice is under way. With this being a sprint weekend, this one hour of practice is going to be essential so we should have plenty of running. It is nearly 30 degrees in Miami, with the track temperature being close to 40.

Our current Divers’ Championship leader Piastri is one of the first out onto the track.

You must be registered for see images attach

Oscar Piastri leads the Drivers’ Championship - Charly Triballeau/Getty Images

---

05:27 PM BST​

Tyre chat​

We have gone a step softer with the tyres than we did last year in Miami. The one and only practice session of the weekend is just moments away.

---

05:23 PM BST​

Sky’s Jenson Button on Max Verstappen​

“The moment that stands out so far is Verstappen’s qualifying lap in Suzuka.

“This year he has stepped it up. He does not have the best car, far from it, but he has still dragged something out of the car and to get pole at Suzuka, where you need to be brave, was very impressive. His game has risen and it is impressive to see.”

You must be registered for see images attach

Mav Verstappen is third currently in the Drivers’ Standings - Mark Thompson/Getty Images

---

05:20 PM BST​

Sky’s Martin Brundle on Lando Norris​

“I think his head is, perhaps, with a bit of pressure off him. He is now not leading the championship, he is now the hunter. He has got all the talent, all the speed, he has prepared all of his life for this moment. What he should realise, is that victory in Melbourne – if you can win that race, you can win anything in a Formula 1 car.

“But he has got some tough competition. Mercedes are not going to stand still. They have got a big upgrade coming at Imola, for example. Ferrari think they know a way forward as well. The drivers and teams need to be scoring every point that is on the table.”

You must be registered for see images attach

Lando Norris is second in the Drivers’ Championship after five rounds - Bryon Lennon/Getty Images

---

05:15 PM BST​

This weekend’s timings​

Today:

First practice- 5.30pm BST

Sprint qualifying- 9.30pm

Tomorrow:

Sprint- 5pm

Qualifying- 9pm

Sunday:

Race- 9pm

---

05:08 PM BST​

Senna’s 1992 Belgian GP helmet sells for record price​

The helmet that Ayrton Senna was wearing when he famously helped to rescue an unconscious rival at Spa-Francorchamps in 1992 has sold for a world record £720,000.

Senna, who died tragically in a crash two years later aged 34, was wearing the Shoei helmet, painted in his signature yellow, green and dark blue, at the Belgian Grand Prix in 1992, when he raced for McLaren.

The Brazilian driver stopped in qualifying for that race to help stricken Ligier driver Érik Comas, running back through the smoke at great personal risk, cutting the car’s engine and holding Comas’s head until paramedics arrived. The Frenchman had been knocked unconscious following a heavy crash at Blanchimont corner.

---

05:01 PM BST​

Breaking news!​

Hot off the heels of Mexico City extending its deal...

BREAKING: The Miami Grand Prix will remain on the calendar through 2041!#F1#MiamiGPpic.twitter.com/tEnx5TWROv

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 2, 2025

---

05:00 PM BST​

Ferrari’s blue makeover bombs with fans​

Ferrari​

For the second year running – and to mark the one-year anniversary of HP becoming their title sponsor – Ferrari have chosen to incorporate the blue and white of the computer hardware company into their Miami livery. The SF25’s engine cover, rear wing and wheel covers will all feature extra blue and white graphics this weekend, while Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will sport completely different race suits in white and blue to complement the design.

To say the livery has received a mixed reception from fans would be an understatement. One comment on Ferrari’s social media post said: “This is the equivalent of putting pineapple on a pizza.”

---

04:57 PM BST​

F1 rivals fear fatherhood will make Verstappen even faster​

Max Verstappen’s rivals believe fatherhood will only improve him as a driver as Mercedes’ George Russell said he had no expectation of the Dutch driver being distracted or slowing down.

The four-time world champion was a notable absentee from the Miami paddock on Thursday as he delayed his arrival in Florida to be at the birth of his first child.

Red Bull announced in the morning that the 27-year-old would skip his Thursday media duties pending the birth, but added that “all was well” and that he would be in the paddock on Friday, before first practice. “We will not be offering any further comment at this time in respect towards the privacy of Max and his family.”

You must be registered for see images attach

Max Verstappen is now a father - Shawn Thew/Shutterstock

---

04:51 PM BST​

Famous faces​

Former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowksi, arguably the greatest tight end in NFL history, is taking in the action in Miami today!

You must be registered for see images attach

NFL meets F1 - Kym Illman/Getty Images

---

04:48 PM BST​

McLaren 77 points clear of Mercedes​

---

04:43 PM BST​

Piastri on top​

---

04:38 PM BST​

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown on the possibility of a collision between his drivers​

“I think it is definitely a matter of when, rather than if. You have two racing drivers, whether in the same team or different team, that are next to each other for 24 races, someone is going to lock a brake.

“So I am kind of looking forward to getting it over with because I do not think it is going to be anywhere near as exciting as everybody thinks. I think it will be a racing incident when that day comes. I think it is inevitable. They are two great characters. Neither of them are hotheads, so we are not worried about it, and to a certain extent, kind of looking forward to just getting it out of the way.”

You must be registered for see images attach

McLaren lead the way atop the Constructors’ Standings - Chandan Khanna/Getty Images

---

04:34 PM BST​

Racing in the Miami sunshine​

Formula 1 heads to the United States for the first time season as Miami hosts round six of the 2025 World Championship. After securing back-to-back victories in the Middle East in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri leads the Drivers’ Championship, ten points ahead of his teammate Lando Norris. Not only are McLaren in control of the Drivers’ Championship, they are also 77 points clear of Mercedes in the Constructors’ Championship. Norris, who claimed his maiden F1 victory in Miami a year ago, has admitted he needs to “get a move on” having lost the lead in the Drivers’ Championship to his teammate last time out but is confident he can find top form quickly.

“He [Piastri] is doing a good job and he deserves it. Nothing more than that,” said Norris. “I do not believe so much in the momentum stuff. Just my opinion, but I am doing what I can. Clearly, I have made some mistakes and not at the level I need to be, but I believe I can be at the level soon enough. So, no reason to be worried. It is round six of 24. I am not going to say that forever. I know I need to get a move on and I need to get into gear a little bit, but I am doing the best I can every weekend at the minute and trying to improve. But the speed is there, the pace is there, the race pace is definitely there. It is just one thing I need to tidy up and it is a difficult thing, but I am confident that I will get it.”

Piastri, who comes into this weekend off the back of successive victories and leads the drivers’ standings, is happy with his start to the season.

“Winning the races is what is exciting. I think the championship lead is nice but, I think I said after Saudi, I am much more proud and satisfied of the work and the reasons behind why we are leading the championship than actually the fact that I am leading the championship.

You must be registered for see images attach

Oscar Piastri leads the way in the Drivers’ Standings - Hector Vivas/Getty Images

“I think especially given that in Melbourne it did not go very well for me in the points point of view, I think it went well as far as execution goes, but considering I started with a bit of a deficit and I have clawed it back, I think that is the part that I am enjoying the most, the reasons why I am in leading the championship.”

Max Verstappen, who sits in third in the Drivers’ Championship, missed yesterday’s media session as his partner Kelly Piquet has given birth to a baby girl. This weekend is a sprint weekend so we have three-action packed days ahead. Practice gets under way at 5.30pm BST.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.

Continue reading...