Miami GP LIVE: Hamilton investigation concludes as Verstappen upset

Lewis Hamilton previews 2023 Miami Grand Prix

Max Verstappen is starting the Miami Grand Prix in ninth place after Charles Leclerc crashed during Q3, bringing an abrupt end to qualifying. It means the Red Bull star must overtake almost half of the field if he is to try and catch pole-sitting team-mate Sergio Perez.

Just six points separates the two Red Bull drivers in the Championship standings and with overtaking difficult in Florida, it’s set to be an enthralling battle. Verstappen was upset that he was not allowed to complete a flying lap on Saturday.

Verstappen said: “I was trying to put it on the limit and then I made a mistake and had to abort the lap. Then you rely on a bit of luck that there is not going to be a red flag, but that can happen on a street circuit. I’m just a bit upset with myself. It’s going to be difficult. I made it difficult for myself, so I have to accept that.”

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton was called to the stewards post-qualifying after he hit the wall when trying to avoid Kevin Magnussen. The Mercedes star gave his view of the incident but F1 bosses decided no punishment was required for the Haas driver.

Hamilton will start the race from 13th place on the grid, while his team-mate George Russell is sixth.

KEY EVENTS

  • Starting grid19:33

    • Federer in attendance

    Roger Federer is in attendance with his family and he sent a classy message to former rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

    The retired tennis star also shared who his favourite two drivers are.

    “I still hope for Lewis he’s going to have a great race here and hopefully another great season. He’s been amazing, I’ve also gotten to meet Lewis on many occasions,” he said.

    “I saw also George at the Laver Cup, he came to London at my big end and stuff.

    “I showed him around, I was the host so now he’s like kind of the host here. So I wish him well but of course Max is doing incredible work at the moment.”

    Hamilton cool ahead of race

    Lewis Hamilton appeared cool and relaxed as he was driven around the track to wave at fans.

    The Mercedes ace danced with his headphones in while greeting the supporters in attendance at the track.

    Starting grid

    Here’s how the drivers will be lining up on the starting grid;

    1. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)

    2. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)

    3. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

    4. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)

    5. Pierre Gasly (alpine)

    6. George Russell (Mercedes)

    7. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

    8. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)

    9. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

    10. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo)

    11. Alex Albon (Williams)

    12. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)

    13. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

    14. Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo)

    15. Nyck De Vries (AlphaTauri)

    16. Lando Norris (McLaren)

    17. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri)

    18. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)

    19. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

    20. Logan Sargeant (Williams)

    Good evening

    Hello and welcome to Express Sport’s live coverage of the Miami Grand Prix where we are set for an intruiging battle with Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton low down the grid.

    There is a slight risk of thunderstorms tonight which could throw the race wide open with teams having to revert to back-up strategies.

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