F1 Miami GP - Qualifying Tips & Predictions Ahead Of Miami Sprint Weekend

With Formula 1 returning to Miami this weekend, here are our F1 Miami GP qualifying predictions and tips, as well as our view on how we expect the sprint qualifying and race to unfold.

After an unscheduled absence for more than a month due to the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, F1 is back with a bang this weekend.

Miami is known for its exciting spectacle and big-budget production off-track, but the action on the grid this year looks set to be equally interesting.

With an extended break, teams have had longer than expected to redevelop their cars and bring new parts. This, along with tweaked regulations, should shake up the order and given us a few surprises when the cars take to the track over the weekend.

Odds taken from Betnero at 14:00 UK time, on 1 May 2026

Miami GP Sprint Predictions & Tips

Looking ahead to the sprint race, Mercedes remains the team to beat. Both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are 2.22 favourites with most UK betting sites to claim the sprint pole.

The pair have won every race and sprint so far this season between them, and look unstoppable.

However, last year's winner Oscar Piastri, loves this track. The Australian has struggled so far this season, but McLaren are expected to bring a major upgrade package to Miami.

We don't think that will make enough difference for Piastri to break into the top two ahead of either Mercedes, but it does mean he's got a good chance of a top-three grid spot for the sprint.

Sprint Tips:

Sprint Qualifying Top 3 - Oscar Piastri - 2.37

As mentioned, Piastri is among the most likely candidates to stop a Mercedes front row lockout in sprint qualifying.

The technical regulation changes brought in for this weekend may shake up the order, and allow us to see the true skill of drivers more clearly than in previous rounds.

Sprint Race Fastest Lap - Charles Leclerc - 13.00

Next up, we think Charles Leclerc is a decent option to claim the fastest lap during the Miami Sprint.

The Monegasque driver is renowned for his pace over a single lap. Perhaps the quickest driver on the grid in qualifying trim, he is capable of pulling some ridiculous individual laps.

And with the sprint race meaning no need for pit stops or strategy, we can see Leclerc's Ferrari recording the fastest lap in the Sprint.

Miami GP Qualifying Predictions & Tips

As with Saturday's Grand Prix qualifying, Russell and Antonelli again have the shortest odds.

It's difficult to argue with that, given the pair's dominance so far this season. But there have been errors and chinks in the Silver Arrows' armour at times.

If one or both slip up, it could open the door for rivals to capitalise.

Qualifying Tips:

Winning Constructor - Ferrari - 10.00

As mentioned, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc is phenomenal over one lap. The qualifying specialist has suffered from the new regulations' emphasis on battery management over raw pace, but this weekend's new changes should address that.

And at 10.00, the potential profit from a Ferrari pole makes this a great pick.

Qualifying Winner - Oscar Piastri 9.25

Aside from the Mercedes drivers, Piastri is the favourite to take Pole in Miami, at 9.25.

His past successes make him a good option to pounce on any mistakes from the leading pair.

And given how poorly he has started the season, it feels like the Aussie driver is due some good fortune.

Leclerc may be the fastest single-lap driver on the grid, but Piastri is not far behind, and could benefit from a brand-new aero package on his McLaren this weekend.

Russell and Antonelli remain the most likely to take pole, but betting on Piastri could be a good way to earn solid profit if he does pull off an upset.