Max Verstappen struggles in Miami Sprint Qualifying and faces investigation, while Tsunoda fumes after a messy, traffic-filled Q1 session.
Max Verstappen could only manage P4 in Sprint Qualifying for the Miami Grand Prix and admitted he struggled to find the right balance in his RB21. The Dutchman is also under investigation for failing to respect the minimum lap time between the two Safety Car lines — a regulation clearly outlined before the session.
He’s not alone. George Russell, Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, Liam Lawson, and Gabriel Bortoleto are also on the stewards’ radar for the same offense. However, Verstappen is the only driver accused of impeding others by running too slowly — notably affecting Yuki Tsunoda, Lance Stroll, and Jack Doohan.
“I think what we did in SQ3 was decent. The tires held up better than expected,” Verstappen said. “But from Free Practice, the car had understeer, and that really hurts you on a track full of slow corners.”
“Fourth is okay. It’s not where I want to be, of course, but given our current limitations, it’s not bad. The gaps were really close.”
Looking ahead to the Sprint, Verstappen expressed concerns about tire degradation in the hot conditions over the 100-kilometer run.
“In Sprint weekends, it’s hard to know what to expect. We don’t get enough long-run data. From what I felt in the car, it’s going to be tricky. It’ll be hot, and we know where our weaknesses are — we just have to make the most of it.”
Further down the grid, Yuki Tsunoda was visibly frustrated after being eliminated in SQ1. He’ll start the Sprint from 18th, and he pointed to poor timing and traffic as the reasons behind his early exit — both tied to Red Bull and Verstappen.
“A car came out of the pits right in front of me and ruined my lap,” Tsunoda said. “Then in the last corner I locked up, but the lap was already compromised. I never had a proper shot.”
“I did what I could, but what do you want me to do? The communication was poor, and I didn’t really get a real qualifying session. I’ll try my best tomorrow — anything can happen. I’m staying positive.”
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