F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Miami Speed Trap: Who is the fastest of them all?

As a street-track spectacular, the Miami International Autodrome features three long straights and an equal number of DRS zones that offer a good opportunity to showcase a car's top speed.

Theoretically, teams will settle for a lower drag configuration when setting up their car for race day, assuming an outfit favours a race spec over a qualifying spec.

Since the start of the season, the straightline speed of the Red Bull RB19, particularly with the DRS open, has been a big talking point among the teams.

Many rival engineers are still scratching their head trying to figure out the sneaky aero trick that Red Bull has uncovered to allow its car to carry such a top speed advantage.

Unsurprisingly, F1's usual suspects, Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen, were fastest through the speed trap in qualifying as measured by the device at the end of the long strait in Sector 3, with a top speed of 342.8 km/h.

But beyond the RB19's unmatched DRS effectiveness, the car's overall efficiency is also top notch.

Charles Leclerc looked to be a man on a mission in qualifying, but unfortunately the Ferrari driver self-destructed once again at Miami's Turn 7, while teammate Carlos Sainz was third quickest in qualifying.

One will note however the massive top speed differential between Maranello's prancing horse and Milton Keynes' runaway bull: a whopping 8 km/h on average according to the speed trap readings.

Over at Mercedes, the contrast between FP1 and qualifying was stunning, and pointed once again to the W14's bizarre performance fluctuations.

Like Ferrari's drivers, Lewis Hamilton and George Russel were in the second half of the field in terms of maximum velocity. It is believed that the Brackley squad's engineers opted to increase the car's ride height after porpoising reappeared again in FP1, a change that will cost the W14 downforce.

Verstappen's mistake and Leclerc's crash has produced a mixed-up grid that should prove entertaining for fans on Sunday.

But Miami's new low-grip track surface and tyre strategies are wicked wild cards that are also likely to spice up proceedings.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

The Midland M16 - Russia's first and last F1 car

On this day in 2006, the newly-christened Midland F1 Racing team unveiled its first car…

2 hours ago

Haas recruits Doohan as F1 reserve for 2026

Haas has added a fresh splash of Australian flair to its 2026 F1 plans, snapping…

3 hours ago

Audi fires shot at F1 titans — but braces for engine gremlins

Audi’s Formula 1 revolution is roaring into life – but Mattia Binotto is under no…

3 hours ago

‘Back with a vengeance’: Brundle backs Piastri 2026 title bid

Sky F1’s Martin Brundle has thrown a tantalising warning to the rest of the Formula…

5 hours ago

‘Difficult to pass’: Ocon raises early alarm over 2026 F1 cars

Esteban Ocon fears Formula 1’s 2026 cars could make overtaking a tougher art rather than…

20 hours ago

Jenson Button named Aston Martin F1 Team Ambassador for 2026

Jenson Button is heading back into the Formula 1 spotlight – not in a race…

22 hours ago