MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 04: Sprint winner, Max Verstappen, from the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing, receives his prize from Zinedine Zidane in the parc ferme during the Sprint before the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 04, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
The Dutch Red Bull superstar secured his seventh consecutive pole position, but this time in Miami. Verstappen had struggled to clinch the top spot in the first two races at the Hard Rock Stadium, but still managed to win them.
After the race, Verstappen expressed his difficulty in finding consistency with the car and tire feel on a lap in Miami. Despite this, he acknowledged the satisfactory performance and emphasized the importance of starting on pole.
Verstappen’s pole streak now equals Alain Prost’s record of six consecutive poles to start a season, achieved in 1993. With a strong start, Verstappen urged his team to maintain the momentum as they seek victory in the third Miami Grand Prix.
The day started well for Verstappen, as he claimed victory in the Sprint Race and received his winner’s plaque from the legendary football player Zinedine Zidane. He ended the day by securing his 38th career pole position. Verstappen outpaced the Ferrari duo, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, and aims to achieve a hat-trick at the home of the Miami Dolphins. So far, Verstappen has won four out of the first five races of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
In the other Red Bull car, Sergio Perez qualified in fourth place, followed by McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The McLaren team had high hopes with the improvements brought to Miami, aiming to close the gap to Red Bull and Ferrari.
Mercedes continued to face difficulties, with their drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton qualifying in sixth and seventh place, respectively. They were followed by Nico Hülkenberg from Haas, and Yuki Tsunoda from the Red Bull junior team. (Reporting by Jenna Fryer)
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