McLaren back on top as reigning champion Norris storms to Sprint pole in Miami

• Photo courtesy of F1

Reigning world champion Lando Norris delivered a statement performance in Miami, powering McLaren F1 Team back to the front with a decisive Sprint pole lap for Round 4 of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

The result marks a strong turnaround for McLaren after a mixed run in the opening rounds, with Norris once again asserting his status as the benchmark on a single lap.

His pole run was composed and clinical—an indication that both driver and car have found their rhythm at a critical stage of the championship.

McLaren’s resurgence was further underlined by Oscar Piastri, who secured third on the grid to lock in a strong dual-threat position for the Sprint. Between the two McLarens is rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli in second, continuing to disrupt the established order.

Behind them, the usual contenders remain within range. Charles Leclerc lines up fourth, while Max Verstappen sits fifth, keeping pressure on the front runners. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell also remain in contention heading into the Sprint race.

With limited laps and high stakes in the Sprint format, Norris’ pole gives McLaren a clear strategic advantage. More importantly, it reinforces a growing narrative: with the reigning champion back in control and both cars performing, McLaren is once again a serious force at the front.