F1 Miami GP - Race Tips & Predictions As Start Time Brought Forward

With the sprint race and qualifying throwing up some big surprises, here are our F1 Miami GP race predictions and tips ahead of Sunday's main event.

Formula One returned with a bang this weekend, after the cancellation of both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain Grand Prix led to an unexpected, month-long hiatus from racing.

Friday was the first time we got to see a host of new upgrade packages and car components, with almost every team bringing major changes to Miami.

The result was a massively mixed-up order compared to the opening three rounds of the season, which had seen Mercedes completely dominate.

Defending world champion Lando Norris took a surprise sprint pole, marking the first non-Mercedes to top a competitive session.

The Brit followed it up with victory in the sprint race, before Kimi Antonelli claimed a pole in qualifying proper ahead of a resurgent Max Verstappen in his Red Bull.

Sunday's race promises to be both exciting and unpredictable, with four different teams occupying the top four grid spaces as Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and McLaren's Norris start on the second row ahead of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.

Odds taken from Betnero at 12:30 UK time, on Sunday, 3 May 2026

Miami GP Predictions & Preview

Looking ahead to the race on Sunday, it's almost impossible to predict a winner.

The updated technical regulations have had an impact on the pecking order, along with the huge number of upgrades teams have brought.

Following Saturday's qualifying, pole-sitter Kimi Antonelli is the favourite with most UK betting sites.

The young Italian is priced at 2.22 ahead of Verstappen (3.85), Leclerc (6.20), and Norris (10.25).

Safety cars, rain and the unpredictable nature of Grand Prix racing make predicting races difficult. But Verstappen's return to the front row will have made rivals sit up and take note.

If the Dutch driver can beat Antonelli off the line and into the first corner, he stands a great chance of claiming victory.

Predicted top three: 1st Verstappen, 2nd Antonelli, 3rd Leclerc.

Miami GP Tips

Before the cars took to the track this weekend, championship leaders Mercedes were clear favourites.

However, the odds have shifted since the sprint race, making for an exciting race.

Below, we have picked out our top three tips for the Miami GP, all of which can be backed before the race starts at 18:00 UK time.

Race Winner - Max Verstappen - 3.85

As we have mentioned, Verstappen has looked transformed this weekend. The Dutchman has renewed confidence and trust in his Red Bull and will be a serious threat to Antonelli.

With the young Italian struggling at race starts so far this season, Verstappen has a golden opportunity to lead the first lap.

And if the four-time world champion can get in front and build an early lead, betting on him to win could be a great option.

First Constructor Retirement - Aston Martin

It's been a dire season so far for Aston Martin. Drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll have struggled in every session and barely finished a race between them.

It is almost certain that at least one of the Astons will fail to see the chequered flag in Miami. This makes them a strong pick to be the first constructor to retire a car.

No Safety Car - 4.00

Finally, we think betting against a full safety car is a good option. On paper, street circuits like Miami are prone to safety cars and restarts.

However, the race only has a 50% probability of producing the full safety car, according to the history books.

With odds of 4.00, compared to 1.22 for the safety car to appear, this represents good value on what is likely to be a 50-50 chance.

Plus, with the race start time brought forward to avoid potential thunderstorms, the chance of rain causing a safety car has been significantly reduced.