2022 - A Look Ahead

[Fortitude]

Leclerc leads the way as Russell impresses: 2022 Miami GP FP1 round-up.
Leclerc, Russell and Verstappen lead the way.
May 6th 2022
F1 Author James Elson

One of the most anticipated grand prix weekends in years got underway in sweltering conditions, as drivers finally set some laps in anger at the inaugural Miami Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen constantly traded fastest laps in an intense session, whilst the Mercedes appeared to be closer to the ultimate pace than has been seen so far this season.

The former would end the session fastest, but it would be George Russell who would be second, with Verstappen eventually coming in third.

‘George Russell Close Behind’;

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/a...-fp1-round-up#


(FP1) First Practice Results – 2022 Miami Grand Prix.
6th May 2022
by Emer Hedderman

Results (Classification):
1. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari -1:31.098
2. George Russell Mercedes +0.071
3. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.179
4. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing +0.203
5. Pierre Gasly AlphaTauri +0.400
6. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.430
7. Alex Albon Williams Racing +0.756
8. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +0.858
9. Kevin Magnussen Haas +1.461
10. Daniel Ricciardo McLaren +1.494

‘Complete results from FP1’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp1-first-...and-prix-78926


Leclerc fastest as Bottas crashes in opening Miami practice
2022 Miami Grand Prix first practice
Posted on 6th May 2022, 20:48
Written by Will Wood

Championship leader Charles Leclerc was fastest for the first ever practice session in Miami as Valtteri Bottas crashed at the marina corner. The Ferrari driver was less than a tenth of a second faster than George Russell’s Mercedes, with the two Red Bulls of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez third and fourth.

Slight cloud cover over the circuit could not prevent temperatures from breaching 33C as the green light at the end of the pit lane signalled the start of the very first official session to be held at the Miami International Autodrome. Unsurprisingly, all 20 drivers wasted no time in taking to the track and getting acclimatised with the 5.4km circuit, with many drivers quickly learning where the limits of grip were over the 19-turn.

Leclerc’s spin did not slow him down, and he eventually set the early benchmark of a 1’32.949, before Russell went second quickest by setting a lap one-thousandths of a second slower than the Ferrari.

‘No time wasted taking to the track’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/05/06/...iami-practice/


2022 Miami GP FP1: Sainz punctures tyre in huge spin
06 May 2022
Formula 1.

Ferrari’s Carlos punctures a tyre on his Ferrari after taking a big spin at the Miami International Autodrome during first practice at the 2022 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.

‘Big Spin’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...100018346.html


“Encouraging start” for Mercedes as Russell goes second-quickest in updated car
2022 Miami Grand Prix
Posted on
6th May 2022, 21:28
Written by Keith Collantine

Mercedes ran revised front and rear wings in first practice for the Miami Grand Prix, where George Russell set the second-quickest time.

The new endplate gives “more downforce for the same drag”, Shovlin told Sky, “and the rear wing’s a more efficient wing than the one we’ve been running. So you’ve seen at previous, low-drag tracks we’ve trimmed our wing away. This one’s designed for this downforce.

‘More Downforce’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/05/06/...n-updated-car/

[Fortitude]

Russell puts Mercedes on top in second Miami GP practice.
George Russell set the fastest time during second practice for Formula 1’s Miami Grand Prix as Mercedes showed front-running pace for the first time in the 2022 season.
6th May 2022, 23:31
by Phillip Horton

Mercedes has struggled through the early phase of 2022 with its recalcitrant W13 but brought a smattering of updates for the inaugural event in Miami as it seeks to remedy its issues.

During a hot and humid second session in Miami on Friday afternoon Russell set a time of 1:29.938s to finish 0.106s up on championship leader Charles Leclerc.

Lewis Hamilton reinforced Mercedes’ pace by finishing fourth, 0.241s behind his team-mate, with Sergio Perez third for Red Bull.

‘FP2 George Russell Fastest’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/...i-gp-practice/


2022 Miami Grand Prix Free Practice 2 - Results
06/05/2022 at 23:36
Andrew Lewin

Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps
1 George Russell Mercedes 1:29.938s 17
2 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 1:30.044s + 0.106s 20
3 Sergio Pérez Red Bull 1:30.150s + 0.212s 18
4 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:30.179s + 0.241s 17
5 Fernando Alonso Alpine 1:30.372s + 0.434s 19
6 Lando Norris McLaren 1:30.535s + 0.597s 19
7 Pierre Gasly AlphaTauri 1:30.547s + 0.609s 19
8 Zhou Guanyu Alfa Romeo 1:30.860s + 0.922s 23
9 Esteban Ocon Alpine 1:30.861s + 0.923s 19
10 Kevin Magnussen Haas 1:30.921s + 0.983s 18

‘Full results from Free Practice 2 for the Miami Grand Prix’;

https://f1i.com/news/440338-2022-mia...2-results.html


Russell suspects improved pace of upgraded Mercedes is largely down to track
2022 Miami Grand Prix
Posted on 7th May 2022, 1:10 |
Written by Keith Collantine

George Russell believes the track and conditions in Miami are responsible for Mercedes’ competitive start to the weekend. He set the second-quickest time in the opening practice session, lapping seven-hundredths of a second off Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari. Russell went one better in the second session, heading the times.

Mercedes has brought a package of upgrades to its car this weekend. While the team believe that has made some improvements, Russell suspects the combination of slow corners and high temperatures at the Miami circuit also suits them.

“We always knew ahead of this weekend that the conditions should suit us better,” he said. “We’ve been struggling a lot with tyre warm-up, even in Bahrain when the track was really rough. But this is the first real hot race of the season. So for sure, that’s played a big factor. The car is working well but it’s only Friday, I’m not getting too carried away.”

‘Not getting carried away’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/05/07/...down-to-track/


Fernando Alonso: Alpine 'seem fast' in Miami GP practice
06 May 2022

Fernando Alonso thinks that Alpine "seem fast" at the Miami International Autodrome, as the Spaniard looks forward to a "very demanding race" in Sunday's 2022 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.

‘Seem Fast’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...561472952.html


Verstappen laments 'extremely painful' start to Miami GP weekend as Red Bull endure rocky Friday
06 May 2022

Max Verstappen was left reeling after what his Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner called a “horrible” opening day of the Miami Grand Prix, in which the reigning champion suffered two issues over both Friday practice sessions.

“He's just had a horrible day,” said Horner of Verstappen. “He had an issue this morning, so as a precaution we changed the gearbox and one of the coolers, and then he's driven out of the pit lane and had a hydraulic issue which has unfortunately caused some damage to the rear brakes.”

Verstappen, third in FP1, added: “Yes, just not a good day, and of course these days [it is] extremely painful, especially on a track like this where you want to be out there and learn the track and get up to speed. So, I basically did four or five laps today – fast laps – so that’s not what you want.”

‘Extremely Painful’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...45MV4l2rI.html


Sergio Pérez: 'Messy' practice means drivers 'going blind' into Miami GP
06 May 2022

Red Bull's Sergio Pérez says that a "very messy" Friday practice at the Miami International Autodrome means that drivers are "going blind" into Sunday's 2022 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.

‘Very Messy Practice’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...281872937.html


F1 drivers concerned “terrible” grip will make passing difficult at Miami
2022 Miami Grand Prix
Posted on 7th May 2022, 0:27
Written by Keith Collantine

Formula 1 drivers have expressed concerns that poor grip off-line at Miami International Autodrome will make overtaking difficult in Sunday’s race. The 5.4km circuit set around the grounds of Hard Rock Stadium, the home of the Miami Dolphins NFL team, features fast, sweeping turns, two long straights followed by hairpins and a tight and narrow technical sequence in the second sector.

“It’s really disappointing that there is no grip off-line,” said Sergio Perez after the first two practice sessions at the new track on Friday. “It’s a shame because I think the racing will be bad due to that. As soon as you try to go off-line, there is no grip. It’s damp, probably it’s wet on that side. It feels very gravelly off-line. So yeah, racing will be hard.”

Lando Norris echoed Perez’s comments, saying the lack of grip at some points on the track explained why several drivers spun or crashed during practice. “It’s extremely tricky,” said the McLaren driver. “It’s very bumpy in some areas, which was maybe not quite what we were expecting. I think everyone was expecting it to be very smooth and beautiful but it’s not.

‘Terrible Grip’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/05/07/...cult-at-miami/


5 things we learned from Friday practice at the Miami Grand Prix
07 May 2022
F1 Correspondent & Presenter
Lawrence Barretto

Mileage is so important for teams when they head to a new circuit, but that was at a premium for the frontrunners on Friday practice for the Miami Grand Prix, as they endured mixed fortunes. Here are five things we learned in Miami Gardens…

1. Potentially exciting times for Mercedes
2. Mechanical gremlins hurt Red Bull again
3. Mixed fortunes for Ferrari
4. McLaren with more to come
5. Alfa Romeo and Alpine look strong

‘Lessons Learnt’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...3tcHCaG2C.html


Lewis Hamilton Is OK With Not Racing at the Miami GP Because of His Jewelry, Piercings
7 May 2022, 03:37 UTC ·
by Elena Gorgan

For many, creative expression of self through fashion and accessories is worth going to war for. Lewis Hamilton is among them, and he is more than OK with the idea of sitting out the 2022 Miami GP this weekend, over a planned jewelry ban.

On Friday, Hamilton showed up at the press conference decked in jewelry. Literally. He wore three watches, a couple of bracelets, eight rings, two earrings, and at least four necklaces, knowing full well he’d be asked about the jewelry ban. His answer boiled down to this: jewelry is part of who he is and should not interfere with his work, so he’s willing to sit out the Miami GP if he’s asked to remove it.

“It's platinum that I have, so it's not magnetic. It's never been a safety issue in the past,” he explained of one of his piercings. “So yeah, if they stop me then so be it. We've got a spare driver. So we're well prepped for the weekend. There's lots to do in the city anyway so it will be good either way.”

‘Lots to do in Miami’;

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/l...gs-188249.html

[Fortitude]

'It reminds me of being in a B&Q car park:' Lewis Hamilton criticises new Miami GP F1 track and its tight chicane as Sergio Perez also shares 'extreme disappointment' over the circuit, fearing a lack of racing will take place.
Lewis Hamilton has been left underwhelmed by the new track for the Miami GP.
Published: 10:33, 7 May 2022
By Dan Ripley for MailOnline

“The track's quite nice to drive except for the chicane,' said Hamilton. 'It's so tight. 'It reminds me of being in a B&Q car park when I was six years old/seven years old, in a go kart, going in between cars. It's a corner where maybe in future they can remove that one and it will improve the track.”

“It's kind of crazy when you think that people in this day and age should be able to make a flat road relatively easy.' 'There were frigging big, big, big bumps and so many places where the track like joins up with somewhere else. So I don't know if they will be able to grind that at night and improve it.”

‘B&Q Race Track’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...-car-park.html


Is the Miami F1 GP track like 'the B&Q car park?'
7 May 2022
F1 Connor McDonagh

Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton has likened part of the all-new Miami grand prix circuit to “the B&Q car park” after drivers got their first taste of it during Friday practice. Giving his opinion on America’s new F1 circuit, Hamilton described it as “bumpy” and admitted he wasn’t a fan of the tight complex of corners between Turns 12 and 15.

Sergio Perez believes racing other cars will be difficult due to there being a lack of grip off the racing line. “It's really disappointing that there's no grip off-line, racing will be bad because of that,” Perez explained. “As soon as you go off-line, there is no grip, it's done. it's wet on that side sometimes off line, feels very gravely off line, racing will be hard.”

Lando Norris shared similar concerns to Perez, pointing towards how bumpy the track surface in which the teams weren’t expecting going into this weekend. “It's extremely tricky,” Norris added. “It's very bumpy in some places, which we were not expecting. I think everyone was expecting it to very smooth and beautiful. But it's not.”

‘Bumpy B&Q Track’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/100219...ck-bq-car-park


Miami Grand Prix: F1 debut torn apart as ‘shallow’ race on ‘characterless concrete’
THE MIAMI GRAND PRIX has been torn apart ahead of its F1 debut as a "shallow" race on "characterless concrete".
08:48, Sat, May 7, 2022
By CHARLIE SMITH

The 5.41km lap with 19 turns is set at a venue that has previously hosted Super Bowls and Baseball World Series. However, the “temporary circuit” has been criticised for lacking the history and authenticity of other venues, not least because of its fake marina.

F1 writer James Elson blasted the sport’s newest track in a piece for Motor Sport earlier this week. He wrote: “Why, in a country blessed with a multitude of ‘classic’ race tracks, is F1 not racing on one of the permanent circuits, but on a strip of vast characterless concrete?”

Mr Elson wrote: “F1, as usual, isn’t doing much to help its image by staying away from areas and venues which are known for racing.” He added that it is “instead plumping for a more glamorous and perhaps shallow alternative because – well, simply because it can”.

‘Temporary Concrete Circuit’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...x-f1-debut-spt


FUNNY MEMES FLOOD TWITTER AS F1 FANS MOCK FAKE MIAMI MARINA
7th May 2022, 12:07
Ellissa Bain

The Grand Prix is taking place in Miami this weekend and fans are in hysterics over the design. Memes are flooding Twitter as F1 fans laugh about the fake Miami marina. Here are some of the funniest ones…

Me after paying $2,000 for a standing ticket:

She tried to dive into the fake water:

WHAT THE HECK THEY SAID IT WAS FAKE WATER HELP I’M SINKING!

the miami race winner trying to jump into the fake marina:

Miami going all out for this weekend's F1 race. Bringing in Jesus to walk on water

‘Mocking Water’;

https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/05/0...-marina-miami/


‘It’s pretty much game over’: Norris and Perez raise concerns over Miami GP circuit
Formula 1 is visiting Miami for the first time this weekend, but the track is evidently not to everyone's liking.
7 May 2022
by Rob Kershaw

Lando Norris and Sergio Perez have both been critical of the track surface at the Miami Grand Prix, indicating that the lack of grip away from the racing line will make wheel-to-wheel action difficult.

“It’s extremely tricky,” he (Lando Norris) said. “It’s very bumpy in some areas which is maybe not quite what we were expecting and I think [not] what a lot of people were expecting.”

“I think everyone was expecting it to be very smooth and beautiful but it’s not. The surface is very tricky as well.”

‘Extremely Tricky’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/its-prett...mi-gp-circuit/


Max Verstappen doesn't hold back as he lays into Red Bull for 'painful' Miami GP practice
MAX VERSTAPPEN endured more Red Bull performance issues on Friday.
11:44, Sat, May 7, 2022
By SAM SMITH

The 24-year-old would have wanted a smoother practice session on the new Miami circuit. However, he bemoaned learning “zero things” about how his vehicle will perform come Sunday evening’s race.

"Just not a good day. Of course, these days are extremely painful, especially on a track like this where you want to be out there and learn the track and get up to speed. I basically did four, five fast laps today... that's not what you want,” Verstappen told Sky Sports.

They were hydraulics issues. As soon as I went out of the pits, I couldn't really steer, like I was locked, and also the brakes were on fire... so a lot of problems.”

‘Zero Hydraulics, Zero Steering & Brake Fires’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...d-Prix-F1-news


Ferrari-powered cars introduce new PU parts in Miami
07 May 2022, 12:14
By Balazs Szabo

With the 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship reaching its fifth round, the inaugural Miami Grand Prix, teams started to introduce fresh power units elements with mainly the Ferrari-powered cars opting for new parts. F1Technical's Balázs Szabó assesses the changes for the hotly anticipated event around Miami's Hard Rock Stadium.

Since last year, the power units consists of seven parts: internal combustion engine, turbocharger, motor generator unit – heat, motor generator unit – kinetic, energy store, control electronics with the exhaust system having been added to this list last year.

For the Miami Grand Prix, six drivers have opted to use a fresh internal combustion engine including Charles Leclerc, Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, Kevin Magnussen, Mick Schumacher and Pierre Gasly. For the Frenchman, it is already the third ICE which puts him into a difficult position for the rest of the year with only three engines allowed during the 23-race season.

‘Ferrari PU Assessment’;

https://www.f1technical.net/news/23719

[Fortitude]

Sergio Perez set the fastest lap of FP3 at the Miami Grand Prix during a good session for Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel - but not for Mercedes.
Charles Leclerc finished second, 0.2 seconds behind, while Max Verstappen, who was at one stage lucky to avoid contact with the barrier, was 0.3 seconds slower.
7th May 2022, ‎19‎:‎03
Author RacingNews365 Staff

Red Bull were back on top in FP3 at the Miami International Autodrome with Sergio Perez lapping quickest.

In the final practice session ahead of qualifying for the inaugural Miami GP, it was the Mexican driver who set the fastest lap with a 1:30.304.

But Mercedes' struggles appear to have returned, despite promising FP1 and FP2 sessions. Lewis Hamilton finished 15th with George Russell 17th.

‘Sergio Perez Fastest’;

https://racingnews365.com/f1-2022-mi...tice-3-results


(FP3) Third Practice Results – 2022 Miami Grand Prix
Miami, Florida
7th May 2022
by Emer Hedderman

Results (Classification):
1. Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing 1-30.304
2. Charles Leclerc Scuderia Ferrari +0.194
3. Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.345
4. Fernando Alonso Alpine +0.732
5. Sebastian Vettel Aston Martin +0.745
6. Mick Schumacher Haas +0.746
7. Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari +0.868
8. Kevin Magnussen Haas +0.923
9. Alex Albon Williams Racing +1.197
10. Lando Norris McLaren +1.290

‘Complete results from the final practice hour’;

https://formulaspy.com/f1/fp3-third-...and-prix-78937


Miami FP3: Perez goes fastest, Verstappen spins
Jad Mallak
7 May, 2022

FP3 for the 2022 Miami Grand Prix saw Sergio Perez go top of the timing screens, as Max Verstappen spun off on his final attempt of a hot lap.

Behind Perez, Charles Leclerc took second, with 2021 Formula 1 Champion Verstappen in third, as Red Bull and Ferrari restored the pecking order after Mercedes’ disturbance on Friday.

The final practice session for the 2022 Miami Grand Prix came after a Friday that left us with several unanswered questions, that added to the intrigue of being at a brand new circuit.

‘Unanswered Questions’;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/05...stappen-spins/


LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from final practice for the Miami Grand Prix
07 May 2022
Becky Hart
Formula 1.

‘P3: As it happened’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...SAVANujYe.html


THE RACE LIVE HUB
Live Miami Grand Prix qualifying day updates
7th May 2022
The Race

‘P3: As it happened’;

https://the-race.com/live-miami-gran...day-updates/#7

[Fortitude]

F1 – Leclerc on pole for first Miami Grand Prix as Ferrari lock out front row.
Formula 1 points leader Charles Leclerc took his third pole position of the season as Carlos Sainz claimed second place to hand Ferrari a front-row lockout in qualifying for the inaugural Miami Grand Prix. Defending world champion Max Verstappen will line up in third place on the grid alongside Red Bull team-mate Sergio Pérez.
07.05.22
FIA

In the opening runs of Q3, Verstappen took provisional pole with a lap of 1:29.991. That put him just over six hundredths of a second ahead of Leclerc with Sainz third. Pérez slotted into fourth place.

But in the final runs it was Leclerc who found the most pace and the Ferrari driver took his third pole position of the season with a lap of 1:28.796. Sainz looked like he might challenge for his maiden pole as he went quicker than his team-mate in the opening two sectors. The Spanish driver took too much out of his tyres though and when he crossed the line he found himself in P2 just under two hundredths of a second off P1. Verstappen made a mistake in Turn 6 that compromised his final attempt. He backed out of the lap and had to settle for third place on the grid.

Behind them Bottas slotted into fourth place, but Checo was finding more time and the Mexican’s final lap of 1:29.036 put him next to Max on row two ahead of the Finn. Hamilton meanwhile took sixth for Mercedes ahead of Gasly, Norris, Tsunoda and Stroll.

‘Ferrari Lock Out’;

https://www.fia.com/news/f1-leclerc-...-out-front-row


HEAD-TO-HEAD: How Leclerc beat Ferrari team mate Sainz in qualifying for the 2022 Miami GP
08 May 2022

Formula 1.

Watch to see how Charles Leclerc and his Ferrari team mate Carlos Sainz compared in qualifying at the 2022 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.

‘Ferrari Qualifying Comparison’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...318404601.html


Miami GP: Post Qualifying press conference
08/05/2022
NEWS STORY

Today's post-qualifying press conference with Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen. Grid Interbiews - Conducted by Danica Patrick
Charles, you've had an amazing weekend so far, how does it feel coming off of Imola where you had a little mistake but this weekend you're commanding it and the fans are loving it?
Charles Leclerc: "The fans are crazy. It's incredible to be here in the US and to see how much the sport has grown over the past few years and to see so many people in the grandstand. It definitely motivates us. And there are also a lot of Ferrari fans. So it's amazing. The last weekend hasn't been great for me, I did a mistake in the race. But today went well. So we're starting on pole and we need to finish the job tomorrow."

Max came up a little bit short. But on the other hand, you've also had a little bit of a rough weekend. You didn't have very many laps in P2, do you think that attributed to not being able to get the pole today?
Max Verstappen: "Yeah, I mean, overall I'm of course pretty pleased with qualifying. I literally did four or five laps yesterday. So the whole day today we were still trying to learn to track trying to find a decent balance in the car. And actually to be that competitive in qualifying I was a bit surprised. Because it's not an easy track to learn. And yeah, I think overall… Of course, you want to be on pole, but from where we come from I think we did a really good job. But yeah, we have to start making the weekends, you know, less difficult because like this, you know, it's always going to be tricky. But we have a good chance for tomorrow. We have good top speed. I think the car is handling quite well. So I'm looking forward to that."

‘Fans are crazy’;

https://www.pitpass.com/72434/Miami-...ess-conference


Leclerc expecting 'tight challenge' from Verstappen
07/05/2022 at 22:33
Andrew Lewin

It was welcome retribution for Leclerc, who made an error in the final rounds of the last race at Imola that cost him a podium position in the Emilia Romagna GP and cut his lead over Verstappen in the drivers standings down to 27 points.

"The last weekend hasn't been great for me," he told the media in parc ferme after the end of qualifying. "I did a mistake in the race. But today went well, so we're starting on pole and we need to finish the job tomorrow."

While he might have come out on top today, Leclerc is keenly aware that Red Bull represent a potent threat for the race. "They are extremely quick in the straight lines," he commented. "We are quick in the corners [so] it will be a tight challenge tomorrow. Hopefully we'll come back on top."

‘Tight Challenge’;

https://f1i.com/news/440605-leclerc-...erstappen.html


Miami GP: Ferrari's Charles Leclerc Grabs Pole, Praises "Crazy" Fans
• Updated: May 08, 2022 10:14 AM IST
• Agence France-Presse

Charles Leclerc praised the enthusiasm of Ferrari's many American fans, but warned of a tense battle ahead after leading the Italian team to a front-row lockout at the inaugural Miami Grand Prix.

World championship leader Charles Leclerc praised the enthusiasm of Ferrari's many American fans Saturday, but warned of a tense battle ahead after leading the Italian team to a front-row lockout at the inaugural Miami Grand Prix. The 24-year-old Monegasque claimed pole position ahead of his Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz after world champion Max Verstappen made a rare error and slipped to third on the grid for Red Bull at a packed Miami International Autodrome.

"The fans are crazy," said a beaming Leclerc. "But it's incredible to be here in the United States and to see how much the sport has grown over the last few years. The last race weekend wasn't great for me. I made a mistake in that race. But today it went well. We are starting on pole and we need to finish the job tomorrow.”

‘Ferrari’s enthusiastic American fans’;

https://sports.ndtv.com/formula-1/mi...y-fans-2955978


Pérez 'couldn't get into the rhythm' he needed in Miami GP qualifying
07 May 2022

Red Bull's Sergio Pérez felt his "terrible" first run in Q3 created further problems that saw him finish off the front row in qualifying for the 2022 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, but feels confident he can still have a "strong weekend" in the end.

‘Rhythm disrupted’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...909451549.html


‘I really wanted to deliver’ – Bottas proud to claim season-best grid slot in Miami after Friday shunt
07 May 2022
Formula 1.

Valtteri Bottas was beaming with pride on Saturday evening in Miami, after the Alfa Romeo racer recovered from a crash on Friday to qualify in P5 for tomorrow’s Miami Grand Prix. And while the Finn was happy to qualify ahead of the Mercedes of former team mate Lewis Hamilton, he was particularly grateful to repay what he called “a proper team effort” to get his car back on track.

“It is satisfying [to qualify ahead of Mercedes] I think today, especially after the day I had yesterday,” said Bottas. By my mistake we lost a lot of running; it was extra work for the team, and it was a really nice recovery by a proper team effort.”

“Once the car was there, once we found the set-up for the quali then it was up to me to get up to rhythm and deliver. I really wanted to deliver for the team because of my mistake yesterday and that makes me even more happy.”

‘Proper Team Effort’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...fuHxJtiWI.html


Hamilton: A much better qualifying, I’ll take it
8 May, 2022
Jad Mallak

Lewis Hamilton was sixth in qualifying for the 2022 Miami Grand Prix, which he believes was a much better session after his struggles in previous races. Mercedes brought updates to their W13 for the Miami Grand Prix, and things were off to an encouraging start as George Russell was second fastest, then fastest in FP1 and FP2 respectively.

The seven-time Formula 1 World Champion reflected on his qualifying session in the team’s post session report, and said: “Today was a much, much better qualifying session than I’ve had the last three races so I am grateful for that – I’ll take it.

“We just keep on chipping away and keep working on it,” he added. “So much amazing work has gone on in the background and everyone is working so hard. Unfortunately, I don’t think we are moving forwards at the rate that we would like to, the gap is similar to the beginning of the year,” the 37-year old lamented.

‘Keep Chipping Away’;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/05...g-ill-take-it/


Lando Norris: Mistake 'cost me two positions' in Miami GP qualifying
07 May 2022

Lando Norris is "annoyed" that a mistake on his final flying lap in qualifying for the 2022 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix "cost me two positions," as the McLaren driver prepares to start Sunday's race at the Miami International Autodrome from P8.

‘Final Flying Lap Mistake’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...117057075.html

[Fortitude]

Hamilton says he hasn’t backed down in row with FIA over jewellery.
“I got an exemption here,” Hamilton explained after today’s qualifying session. He made it clear he does not intend this to be a temporary arrangement, adding: “I’ll get [an] exemption for the rest of the year.”
2022 Miami Grand Prix
Posted on 8th May 2022, 1:27
Written by Keith Collantine and RJ O'Connell

The seven-times world champion confirmed he has been given an exemption to wear certain items of jewellery this weekend. This follows FIA Formula 1 race director Niels Wittich’s decision to require teams to affirm their drivers will abide by rules forbidding them from wearing jewellery during races.

Before practice began at the circuit on Friday the FIA initially stated Mercedes had not given the required confirmation regarding Hamilton in their pre-race scrutineering declaration. Shortly before the session began the FIA announced the required paperwork had been completed.

“Wedding rings are allowed,” he added. Hamilton also pointed out he began wearing jewellery many years earlier and the FIA had not previously stopped him. This whole safety thing, when they told me about the jewellery they were saying ‘well, safety is everything’. I said ‘well, what’s happened the last 16 years?' I’ve had jewellery over 16 years so was safety not an issue back then?” he added, laughing.

‘Won’t Back Down’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/05/08/...ver-jewellery/


Defiant Lewis Hamilton threatens to quit Miami Grand Prix in row over nose piercing
Published sunday 08 May 2022 - 05:28
Carl Bennett SENIOR DIGITAL PRODUCER

Lewis Hamilton has told Formula One’s rulers that he will not remove his nose piercing for the rest of the season.
The seven-time world champion appeared to adhere to the FIA’s jewellery cockpit clampdown by taking out his earrings for Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix – hours after wearing a plethora of jewellery during a pre-race press conference. He even suggested he could withdraw from the grand prix in protest.

Hamilton was talked out of that specific threat following a discussion with FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem and a meeting with the FIA’s president of the medical commission, Dr Sean Petherbridge, on Friday. The 37-year-old said he would remove his earrings and was handed a two-race medical exemption for his nose stud which cannot be easily taken out.

‘Medical Exemption’;

https://www.gbnews.uk/news/defiant-l...iercing/288909


Hamilton: I’ve had jewellery for 16 years, safety not an issue back then?
8 May, 2022
Jad Mallak

Asked after qualifying on Saturday whether he was satisfied with the resolution of the conflict, Hamilton said he was not and that he had no intention of removing the piercing. “I got an exemption here, I’ll get an exemption for the rest of the year. Wedding rings are allowed,” said the British driver.

Hamilton had appeared at Friday’s drivers press conference wearing rings on all his finger, heavy neck chains and three watches in an obvious show of defiance. Asked how he would approach the Monaco race, on May 29th, Hamilton said: “I’ll wear four watches next time.”

Haas driver Kevin Magnussen has also questioned the jewellery crackdown saying he is not happy at the idea of having to remove his wedding ring. “I understand what they are they saying, but it is a wedding ring around your finger,” said the Dane. Aston Martin’s four-time world champion driver, German Sebastian Vettel, had mocked the FIA’s dress rules on under garments by wearing his underpants over his race suit in Friday’s practice.

‘Wearing Underpants Over Race Suit and Wearing Four Watches Next Time!’;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/05...sue-back-then/


Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel branded 'childish' for actions over Miami GP weekend
08:00, Sun, May 8, 2022
By CHARLIE GORDON

Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, who hold 11 F1 world titles between them, have been branded 'childish' by Ralf Schumacher for their actions over the Miami Grand Prix race weekend. The pair made sure their points were heard regarding rule changes on jewellery and underwear.

Schumacher, who amassed six Grand Prix wins during a decade-long F1 career, has hit out at the duo over how they have handled the divisive issue.

"They should be committed to safety," he told Sky Germany. "Especially after Romain Grosjean's accident, the drivers should know better. The FIA is absolutely right - the young guys in Formula 4 and 3 should see that the F1 drivers stick to the rules. When the most experienced people like Vettel and Hamilton mock the FIA, I think it's childish."

‘Branded ‘childish’ ‘;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...d-prix-f1-news


Hamilton to risk £215,000 fine in defiance of FIA
Sunday 8 May 2022 04:00
Ian Parkes

Backtracking themselves, the FIA has now agreed to allow wedding rings to be worn. Other jewellery, however, must be removed. Should a driver refuse, he will initially be fined £42,000 [$52,000]. Repeat offences will then rise up to £215,000 [$250,000].

"This whole safety thing, man," said Hamilton after qualifying sixth for Sunday's race at the Miami International Autodrome. "When they [the FIA] told me about the jewellery, they said safety is everything. And I said, 'Well, what's happened over the last 16 years? I've had jewellery for the last 16 years, so was safety not an issue back then?"

Hamilton has been given a two-race exemption - Miami and the Spanish GP - to comply with the rules before the FIA will then act at the following race in Monaco. Asked whether he was satisfied with the resolution regarding the wearing of jewellery, Hamilton replied: "No." As to taking the nose ring out permanently, he again said "no", to which he was asked 'You're not going to do it?'. He again said "no".

‘No, No’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/82...fiance-of-fia/


Lewis Hamilton determined to continue defying F1 ban on wearing piercings
Sun 8 May 2022 01.19 BST
Last modified on Sun 8 May 2022 01.32 BST
Giles Richards at the Hard Rock Stadium Circuit

On Friday, Hamilton stated he would not remove his piercings, warning he was willing to miss the race over the issue. He ultimately came to a compromise with the FIA, taking out his ear piercings and was told his nose stud, which could not be removed, would be given a medical exemption for two races until the Monaco Grand Prix.

After taking sixth place on the grid for Sunday’s race, Hamilton was unequivocal in his determination. “No”, he said when asked if he was going to remove his nose piercing. “I got an exemption here, I will get an exemption for the rest of them.”

Hamilton maintained the FIA is making a fuss over unimportant issues and their stance still made no sense . “When they told me about the jewellery, they were saying safety is everything,” he said. “Well, what’s happened the last 16 years? I’ve had jewellery on for 16 years, so was safety not an issue back then?”

’16 Years Not An Issue’;

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/20...ring-piercings


The jewellery stays, insists Hamilton
08/05/2022
NEWS STORY

Speaking in the wake of qualifying, having put his Mercedes W13 sixth on the grid, a defiant Hamilton said that post-Monaco the jewellery will remain in place.

Asked if he was happy with the two-race exemption, the Briton admitted that he was not, adding that he had no intention of removing the offending nose stud.

If nothing else, the Miami weekend has witnessed a ramping up of the 'battle of wills' between the FIA and drivers - and in particular Lewis Hamilton - over jewellery.

‘Battle of Wills’;

https://www.pitpass.com/72436/The-je...sists-Hamilton

[Fortitude]

‘Not F1 standard’ – drivers rip into Miami track surface.
“A joke”, “not Formula 1 standard” and like it’s “wet” off-line – drivers have slammed the surface of Miami’s new stadium track ahead of the inaugural grand prix.
8th May 2022, 09:12
By Scott Mitchell

The grand prix has been a huge priority for F1 and has been heralded throughout the paddock as a major event and a potential game-changer in terms of interest and spectacle.

However, there could be some problems with the race itself, chiefly because drivers say the track – which has had to be resurfaced twice already this week in different places – offers very little grip.

Fernando Alonso said the drivers had made the FIA aware that “the tarmac is not F1 standard”. “There’s nothing we can do. This weekend we need to put on the show, but this has to change for next year. It’s very difficult to race like this.”

‘Tarmac Not F1 Standard’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/not-f...track-surface/


Cleaning machine caused damage to Miami track surface
2022 Miami Grand Prix
Posted on 8th May 2022, 11:03
Written by Keith Collantine

A machine which was being used to clean the Miami International Autodrome track damaged its surface in two places.

The track was patched at turns seven and 17 before F1’s practice sessions began at the track on Friday. Further repair work was performed at the turn 17 hairpin ahead of final practice yesterday.

“Unfortunately, ironically, the cleaning machine that was used to clean the track spilled a load of hydraulic fluid onto the surface and that damaged the bitumen,” Formula 1 motorsport director Ross Brawn told the official F1 channel. “It only happened in two areas so it’s a very specific problem that I think we’re on top of.”

‘Cleaning Machine Damage’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/05/08/...track-surface/


Miami track surface branded a joke
08/05/2022
NEWS STORY

An iconic skyline, a rhythm that's going to get you, Art Deco architecture and beautiful people... Miami has it all. However, according to Sergio Perez and his driver colleagues, the surface of its new race track is a joke.

From the outset, the drivers have complained about the fact that going even slightly offline leads to a lack of grip that is likely to make overtaking nigh impossible.

"You literally have to just stay on that one line," admits Daniel Ricciardo. "Otherwise, you're not really on the track anymore. So instead of kind of making it a kind of a good challenge, it just makes it a little bit, in a way, like one-dimensional, because you only have kind of option of that one line where a little bit of rubber is building up. So I don't want to lie and say I like the surface.

‘Just stay on that one line’;

https://www.pitpass.com/72437/Miami-...branded-a-joke


Poor grip drivers complained about at Miami track due to loose stones – Pirelli
2022 Miami Grand Prix
Posted on
7th May 2022, 13:27
Written by Keith Collantine and RJ O'Connell

Daniel Ricciardo said he suspected the problem was caused by small stones being thrown up by the cars as the new track surface wore away. “It seems like just the stones are getting loose and kind of get washed just off the line. So if you miss a little bit the apex, then you’re sliding off and it’s difficult.”

F1’s tyre supplier Pirelli backed up Ricciardo’s explanation, saying this was why two patches of the circuit were repaired before Friday’s running began. “With this new asphalt they are taking off some small stones from the asphalt,” its head of motor sport Mario Isola explained. “That is something that happened also yesterday after the Safety Car was running and the hot laps.”

“With this new asphalt they are taking off some small stones from the asphalt,” its head of motor sport Mario Isola explained. “That is something that happened also yesterday after the Safety Car was running and the hot laps. “So they put some patches of new asphalt. But still some stones are coming off because we found the stones on the tyres.”

‘Track Surface Wore Away’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/05/07/...tones-pirelli/


Not every driver happy with Miami track
08/05/2022, 08:44
By GMM F1

A big buzz is surrounding Formula 1's first glitzy weekend on the streets of Miami - but not every driver is offering unlimited praise. World champion Max Verstappen, for instance, called one slow and narrow section of the layout "Mickey Mouse" - and Lewis Hamilton also had a negative soundbite. "It reminds me of being in a B and Q (hardware store) carpark when I was six or seven years old, in a go kart, going in between cars," said the seven time world champion.

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz is also disappointed, saying everything except the racing line "feels like driving on a wet road. Late braking manoeuvres are likely to be difficult," said the Spaniard. "It will be best to have completed the move before the braking point." Red Bull's Sergio Perez added: "I'm extremely disappointed that there is no grip off-line. It feels like gravel off-line. It's a shame because I think the racing will be bad due to that," said the Mexican.

Esteban Ocon was furious that a minor practice spin resulted in a 51G impact with concrete - which is a load he says "no driver should have to endure. Carlos also went off there and when he complained to the race director about the danger there, nothing happened at all. It's unacceptable," said the Frenchman. "Carlos hurt his neck and I bruised my knees and all of it should be preventable." Lance Stroll called the section of circuit "ridiculous - a joke".

‘Mickey Mouse, B&Q, Wet Road, Gravel, Ridiculous, Joke Track’;

https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/formula...ck_485327.html


Ruthless Lewis Hamilton slams Miami GP track and compares it to a "B&Q car park"
18:29, 7 MAY 2022
BY Kasra Moradi

“There were frigging big, big, big bumps and so many places where the track like joins up with somewhere else. So I don't know if they will be able to grind that at night and improve it.”

He added: “It's kind of crazy when you think that people in this day and age should be able to make a flat road relatively easy.”

“Frigging big, big, big bumps!’;

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/f1...gp-bq-26901873

[Fortitude]

Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon blast FIA for ignoring safety concerns at the Miami Grand Prix.
Sainz spun his Ferrari into the barriers at Turn 14 during Friday practice, and even though it was a slow-speed crash, the lack of run-off area combined with the hard concrete barriers left the Spaniard in a lot of pain. He took his concerns to the sport’s governing body soon after but claims that they didn’t want to know.
Sunday 8 May 2022 4:32 pm
Callum McAvoy

‘I’m sorry to be critical, but I told the FIA yesterday that my crash at second gear shouldn’t feel that hard,’ Sainz told Sky Sports after qualifying on Saturday. But today, my neck was a bit in pain, and I told them: “Let’s put Techpro [barriers] there because it’s a very hard concrete wall”.

‘Esteban crashed and I’m pretty sure he felt it too. It’s one of those things I will never understand. I did bring it up already, [but] no change.’ During Saturday practice, Ocon had a near identical crash at the same corner which left his Alpine with a cracked chassis, and as a result the Frenchman missed qualifying.

Several other drivers have expressed their support for Sainz and Ocon, including Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez, Pierre Gasly and Lance Stroll, with the Aston Martin man labelling the FIA’s inactivity on the matter as ‘ridiculous’ and ‘a joke.’ But a spokesman for the FIA said officials had inspected the area of impact and decided no changes were necessary from a safety perspective.

‘FIA’s inactivity declared as ‘ridiculous’ and ‘a joke.’;

https://metro.co.uk/2022/05/08/carlo...o=newsnow-feed


Why the Miami Grand Prix could be a strategic nightmare
08/05/2022, ‎16‎:‎10
Author Thomas Maher

The inaugural Miami Grand Prix will be a particularly tough nut to crack for the F1 teams' respective pit strategists. According to Pirelli, the strategy choices of the teams are quite hard to predict.

On paper, a two-stopper is the most likely candidate, with the most flexible option being to start on the Medium before running the Hard for the middle stint. This would allow a chance for a final run on the Medium, or even the Soft might make an appearance, depending on the timing of the stop.

However, Pirelli also believe a one-stop is possible, albeit very marginal. The problem for the teams is that Friday's practice sessions were interrupted by red flag stoppages, which curtailed representative long runs, meaning tyre choices are something of a shot in the dark.

‘Strategic Nightmares’;

https://racingnews365.com/why-the-mi...tegy-nightmare


Miami GP: F1's newest circuit gets mixed reviews from drivers as some call for surface change
Published: 8 May 2022, 17:00
By George Dagless

The inaugural Miami Grand Prix is held later this evening as F1 races in the US for the first time this season and many are intrigued just to see what racing action is thrown up. Fernando Alonso: “It’s still very difficult to go off-line. There is like gravel out of line. So it’s going to be difficult.”

Lando Norris: “It’s a joke. Carlos [Sainz] brought it up yesterday and I think there’s some things that we understand and we know better than maybe what they can see, because we know where a few more risks are and where the car’s on the limit and things like that so. Considering it got brought up and it’s a safety thing and something that we gave advice on and nothing was done then I think it was the same as what Lance [Stroll] said.”

Sergio Perez: “Most importantly the circuit surface is a joke. The racing is going to be difficult. You’re going to have drivers making mistakes because we’ve been put in this situation.”

‘Mixed Reviews’;

https://www.givemesport.com/88005142...surface-change


F1 team principals dismiss fears of processional Miami Grand Prix
2022 Miami Grand Prix
Posted on 8th May 2022, 15:55
Written by Keith Collantine and RJ O'Connell
Formula 1 team principals played down concerns raised by their drivers that overtaking will be very difficult in the Miami Grand Prix. Several drivers have warned the lack of grip off-line will make it very difficult to commit to overtaking moves. Cars have been lifting small stones from the new surface which are coming to a rest off the racing line.

Guenther Steiner, said his drivers had also warned overtaking would be difficult. But he also expects the track will be in better condition in time for the grand prix. “Let’s see if that line where you have got the grip widens up today and see if it can be done better,” he said. “It is a new track, it was completely green, nothing run on it.

“Normally these tracks develop and let’s hope that happens. Otherwise it will be challenging to overtake because you need to be on the good line. Otherwise, you’re off-line and off the track it looks like, but I think it will be getting better as more running is done.”

‘Processional fears dismissed’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/05/08/...mi-grand-prix/


Drivers fear processional Miami GP due to ‘joke’ surface
Date published: May 8 2022 - Michelle Foster

Daniel Ricciardo said: “You literally have to just stay on that one line otherwise, you’re not really on the track anymore. So instead of kind of making it a kind of a good challenge, it just makes it a little bit, in a way, like one-dimensional, because you only have kind of option of that one line where a little bit of rubber is building up. So I don’t want to lie and say I like the surface.”

“This isn’t a nice surface to drive on. It’s not that it’s just like, ‘oh, it’s challenging’, it’s just you literally have to just stay on that one line otherwise you’re not really on the track anymore.” Fernando Alonso agrees, saying: “It’s still very difficult to go offline.”

“There’s like rubble out of line, so it’s going to be difficult. We said yesterday that the track, the tarmac, is not F1 standards.” Lando Norris said the surface is just “not good enough” for Formula 1. “On the racing line it’s not bad grip, is reasonable-ish,” he said. “I think it’s just very hot, which makes it feel even worse. The fact is just offline it’s really, really terrible.”

‘ ‘Joke’ Surface Challenging’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/proces...track-surface/


Miami GP accused of "winging it" with "terrible" track surface.
Sunday 8 May 2022 14:30
Ewan Gale

Lando Norris has accused Miami International Autodrome's developers of "winging it" with the track surface that has drawn negative feedback from drivers. On the prospect of a poor show in front of an expectant crowd, Norris added: "It is not our fault but it is a shame.”

"But when there is so much expectation, you want good racing and want us to provide good racing and entertainment and everything, then there is a surface that they are trying and kind of winging it in a way to see what it will be like, is not good enough because we can't do what they require, we can't put on a good show and we can't race."

‘It’s a shame’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/82...track-surface/

[Fortitude]

Max points for Verstappen again: 2022 Miami GP as it happened.
Max Verstappen passed Charles Leclerc to win the first Miami Grand Prix and close the gap in this year's F1 championship.
May 8th 2022
F1 Author Dominic Tobin

Max Verstappen resisted intense pressure from Charles Leclerc in the closing laps to win the first Miami Grand Prix, as he once again took maximum points from the race weekend.

The championship gap between the Dutchman and Leclerc is now 19 points, after a race in which he passed the Ferrari, stayed ahead through a safety car period and set the fastest lap as Leclerc followed closely.

Despite concerns over safety and the track surface, there was plenty of overtaking and a single safety car during the 57-lap race, in which Carlos Sainz held on for the third podium place despite the best efforts of a fresher-tyred Sergio Perez.

‘Max Points’;

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/a...s-it-happened#


Miami victor Max: Early pass on Leclerc ‘made the race’
Date published: May 9 2022 - Jamie Woodhouse

Max Verstappen said his early overtake on Charles Leclerc allowed him to take control and win the inaugural Miami Grand Prix. Ferrari had the advantage going into the race, Leclerc starting on pole with team-mate Carlos Sainz alongside him on the second row.

Verstappen made the pass on Sainz though at the start, and when told that Leclerc was starting to struggle with his front-right tyre, Verstappen began to reel in the lead Ferrari.

He would not need to wait long for the overtake, passing Leclerc down the inside at Turn 1 on Lap 9, a move which he said was the crucial foundation for that victory, making him the first-ever winner of the Miami Grand Prix.

‘Made the Race’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-ve...crucial-miami/


Sergio Pérez: Engine issue cost Red Bull 'another one-two' in Miami GP
08 May 2022
Formula 1.

Sergio Pérez thinks that his engine issues during the 2022 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix meant Red Bull "lost another one-two today," as the Mexican was forced to settle for P4 at the Miami International Autodrome.

‘Engine Issue, Forced to settle for P4’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...733141131.html


Max Verstappen given police escort after Miami Grand Prix heroics
MAX VERSTAPPEN was given a police escort after winning the Miami Grand Prix.
By MIKAEL MCKENZIE
00:05, Mon, May 9, 2022

Max Verstappen was bizarrely given a police escort after winning the Miami Grand Prix. Two police officers on motorcycles turned on their flashing lights to take the Dutchman, who was being driven in an open-top car, to the podium at the Hard Rock Stadium.

The route took Verstappen from his parked Red Bull, through a tunnel, where Christian Horner and wife Geri were walking, to the podium. Martin Brundle was not entirely comfortable with the scenes as he watched Verstappen being chaperoned. He said: "This just makes me feel nervous those blue lights."

And commentator David Croft said: "Wherever you go there are people walking to the podium holding things up. And at the front of that are Christian and Geri Horner and Helmut Marko." Brundle added: "It almost seems you need a map just to get to the stadium."

‘Bizarre Police Escort’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...d-Prix-F1-news


Carlos Sainz: Podium finish in Miami Grand Prix 'exactly what I needed'
08 May 2022
Formula 1.

Carlos Sainz says that his P3 finish in the 2022 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix was "exactly what I needed" following a challenging period for the Ferrari driver.

‘Just what was needed’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...936777271.html


Russell admits he ‘got lucky’ as Safety Car helps him sustain run of top-five finishes
2022 Miami Grand Prix
Posted on
9th May 2022, 1:10
Written by Will Wood and RJ O'Connell

George Russell says he “got a bit lucky” after a convenient Safety Car helped him to finish fifth in the Miami Grand Prix after starting 12th. A very long opening stint on the hard tyres saw Russell gradually make his way through the field when rivals ahead pitted until he was in fifth position, the highest-running driver yet to make a stop.

When Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris collided, bringing out the Virtual Safety Car, Russell was on the back straight approaching the pit lane, allowing him to immediately pit for fresh mediums and rejoin in seventh behind team mate Lewis Hamilton. After the Safety Car was deployed and the race eventually restarted, Russell would later pass both Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas to finish fifth.

“I think it was a little bit fortunate,” Russell admits. “You sound like a bit of a genius when things like that happen. But that’s the case when you’re on an offset strategy. “We had P7 covered. There was no point to pit, we may as well have just stayed out there and hope that something like that would happen and we got a bit lucky today.” Having started on the hard tyres, Russell lost three places on the opening lap to those around him on mediums. “Those opening laps were really tough,” he explained. “I got completely swallowed up on lap one and I just knew I needed to stay out of trouble.”

‘P5: Got Lucky’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/05/09/...five-finishes/


Albon’s red hair superstition pays off with P9 in Miami
Date published: May 9 2022 - Sam Cooper

Alex Albon’s red hair superstition has paid off after he scored points for the second time this season at the Miami GP. The Williams driver arrived at the Miami circuit sporting a new red hairstyle and later explained that the peculiar choice of colour had become a superstition for him.

At the Australian Grand Prix, Albon scored his first point of the season and he did so with a patch of red in his hair. The origin of the fashion choice was a charity trip to Thailand – the country which he shares nationality with along with the UK – and the children he was visiting decided to give him a new look.

By the time of the next race at Imola, the red had grown out and having ended outside of the points, Albon decided the red was the reason. Having secured another two points in Miami, Albon joked it was all to do with the hair. “No upgrades are ever needed, you just need to dye your hair!” he told Sky Sports F1.

‘Upgrades Not Needed, Dye the hair!’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/alex-a...mi-grand-prix/


Several penalties change the result of the Miami GP
09/05/2022, ‎00‎:‎30
Author RacingNews365 Staff

A handful of drivers have been hit with penalties following the inaugural Miami Grand Prix, changing the overall race classification.

Alpine's Fernando Alonso is one of the drivers to lose out, having been hit with a five-second time penalty, and a penalty point on his Super Licence, after the stewards deemed that he left the track at Turn 14 and gained an advantage.

His penalty drops him back to 11th, in the process moving Williams driver Alex Albon up to ninth, with Aston Martin's Lance Stroll the other beneficiary to take home the final point. Daniel Ricciardo was in line to benefit from Alonso's punishment, having finished 11th, but he too picked up a five-second time penalty, and a penalty point on his Licence.

‘Penalty Points’;

https://racingnews365.com/several-pe...f-the-miami-gp

[Fortitude]

‘That’s your job’: Hamilton’s salty rebuke exposes Merc chaos as ‘breaking point’ nears.
Lewis Hamilton has launched a scathing attack on Mercedes after yet another strategy blunder allowed teammate George Russell to pass him at the Miami Grand Prix.
May 9th, 2022 10:43 am
Jacob Polychronis from Fox Sports

Russell recovered from 12th on the grid to finish fifth, one spot ahead of Hamilton who was left to rue yet another tactical blunder behind the safety car.

Hamilton didn’t pit under a late safety car, while Russell took the gamble and rejoined the track just behind his teammate, who was effectively a sitting duck on old tyres.

Unsurprisingly, Hamilton and Russell had a different view of how the race went when asked afterwards.

‘Breaking Point Nears’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...19431b3d0b877e


'That's your job' - Frustrated Hamilton queries team strategy
Issued on: 09/05/2022 - 01:26
France24.

Miami Gardens (United States) (AFP) – A frustrated Lewis Hamilton questioned his Mercedes team’s strategy on Sunday after he finished sixth behind team-mate George Russell at the Miami Grand Prix.
After the fifth race of the year, Hamilton is sixth in the drivers' standings on 36 points, with fellow Briton fourth on 59.

The seven-time world champion said he was surprised to be asked if he wanted to pit for fresh tyres during a Safety Car period after 41 laps of the inaugural 67-lap race at the Miami International Autodrome, won by Max Verstappen.

"I really don’t know, in that scenario I have no clue where everyone is," he explained when asked about the incident. “When the team say 'it's your choice' -- I don't have the information to make the decision. That’s what your job is! Make the decision for me. You’ve got all the details right there in front of you. I don't.”

‘Frustrated Lewis Hamilton’;

https://www.france24.com/en/live-new...-team-strategy


Hamilton: Mercedes should make strategy calls, not me
Date published: May 9 2022 - Jon Wilde

Lewis Hamilton has admitted he could not understand why Mercedes were asking him to make a strategy call at a decisive stage of the Miami Grand Prix. The seven-time former World Champion eventually finished the race sixth after being passed by his team-mate George Russell, who ended up one place ahead and now has 23 more points than Hamilton this season.

In the end, a contrary strategy for Russell worked well as, from a disappointing 12th on the grid, he ran a long first stint on hard tyres before switching to mediums, whereas Hamilton, like most of the field, went the opposite way after starting sixth.

It meant the Mercedes duo were together on the road in sixth and seventh, Hamilton just ahead, during a Safety Car period following a collision between Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris – and it gave the 37-year-old the option to make a cheap pit-stop to shed his hard tyres for a set of mediums or even softs to tackle the last 10 laps.

‘Strategy Calls’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-...trategy-calls/


Hamilton "between a rock and a hard place" in Miami - Wolff
Monday 9 May 2022 04:00
Sam Hall

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has conceded Lewis Hamilton was "between a rock and a hard place" with his decision not to pit during a late safety car period in the Miami Grand Prix.

Mercedes team-mate George Russell took advantage and stopped for fresh tyres after running up until that point on the hard tyre on which he had started, and after informing his team he wished to remain on track and gamble on a safety car.
In contrast, Hamilton faced a lose-lose situation where both stopping and remaining on the track would cost him track position. "I think he was between a rock and a hard place because the safety car clearly came out in a situation that wasn't favourable for him and was favourable for George in the back," said Wolff.

‘Rock and Hard Place’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/82...n-miami-wolff/


Lewis Hamilton: 'I was giving it everything' in Miami GP
08 May 2022
Formula 1.

A philosophical Lewis Hamilton is content that the team "got the points" after the Mercedes driver finished P6 in the inaugural Miami Grand Prix at the Miami International Autodrome.

‘Giving it everything’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/v...634573760.html


Lewis Hamilton still underwhelmed at rate of Mercedes progress
May 8, 2022
by Hugh Farrell

Lewis Hamilton believes that Mercedes’ team are coming on leaps and bounds with their car, but considering how far behind they were, he doesn’t think they’re getting there quickly enough.

“That’s a much better qualifying session I’ve had from the last three races,” said Hamilton after the Miami GP qualifiers.

“I’ll take that and we’ll keep on chipping away. So much amazing work has gone on in the background, everyone’s working so hard.”

‘Better Qualifying Session’;

https://punditarena.com/other-sports...edes-progress/