Report: Sprint grid set as on-track action returns in Miami

Alex and Carlos returned to F1 action in Miami with Sprint qualifying

Published

01 MAY 2026

Est. reading time

2 min

After five weeks away, Formula 1 has officially returned – doing so in the heat of Miami.

Owing to the break, and regulatory tweaks introduced during that time, the day began with an extended 90-minute free practice session. The team were able to gather valuable data on our updated FW48 package.

Across both cars, we completed a total of 74 laps, ending the session with Carlos in P10 and Alex in P12 following some late push laps on the soft tyre.

As we moved into the late afternoon, there was no let-up in temperatures as Sprint Qualifying got underway.

Both drivers progressed through SQ1 in P15 and P16, with Alex improving on his final run to make it through in the final spot.

Alex was first across the line in SQ2, setting a 1:30.216, with Carlos close behind on a 1:30.224. There were minimal improvements across the field on the second runs, and neither Atlassian Williams F1 Team driver was able to find additional time, placing them P14 and P15 respectively.

Post-Sprint Qualifying, Alex was summoned to the stewards for a track limits infringement during SQ1. As a result, his best SQ1 time, along with both of his SQ2 laps, were deleted, meaning he will now line up P19 for Saturday’s Sprint, with Carlos in P14.

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James Vowles, Team Principal:

"After the last five weeks of work, it is good to see that we are making small improvements relative to the field with both cars into SQ2, but not a perfect day. There was more to come from getting everything absolutely nailed on, and I enjoy that pursuit of every millisecond, so we'll come back fighting tomorrow and see what more we can do."

Carlos Sainz:

“This weekend we have taken a step in the right direction compared to previous races, so that’s a positive. Unfortunately, we had energy deployment issues which made me lose valuable tenths in the fight for SQ3. It was frustrating, but I’m positive for tomorrow as we should be able to recover that performance on both the Sprint and qualifying.”

Alex Albon:

"Overall, it's been a more positive weekend so far and the car felt in a better place today. We were exploring different philosophies in the extended FP1 but there was still not enough time to test things ahead of the weekend, but this is progress from the team and shows that the upgrades are working. A disappointing end to the day due to track limits, but tonight we will go through the data, dive into the details, and see where we can improve ahead of the Sprint and qualifying tomorrow. It’s still early on in the weekend but we’re making steps forward."

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