Max Verstappen finished the final practice session in Miami four-tenths ahead of the rest of the field, showing his dominance in Miami.
Unfortunately, Verstappen was unable to convert that speedy performance into success in qualifying, as a red flag incident halted his flying lap, leaving him in P9.
Charles Leclerc spun his Ferrari into the barriers for the second time this weekend, cutting the session shot early and leaving Sergio Perez on pole.
Despite the frustrating qualifying, Ralf Schumacher said he believes that Verstappen is scarily quick, cementing Red Bull’s status as the dominant team on the grid.
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“It is amazing, almost frightening how fast he [Verstappen] is,” Schumacher told Sky Sport DE.
“[Perez] is also in good shape.”
“Verstappen is out of reach for everyone, [but] I would not underestimate Ferrari. Charles Leclerc has done well and they will definitely be there.”
Despite his poor qualifying, Verstappen was able to cut through the field and beat Perez to victory in Miami last weekend.
Red Bull secured their fifth consecutive victory this season in Miami, extending their lead over their rivals.
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Due to the red flag incident, the starting grid in Miami was very mixed, with Fernando Alonso lining up in P2, Carlos Sainz in P3, Kevin Magnussen in P4 and Pierre Gasly completing the top five.
Verstappen’s ability to win despite starting in the midfield will alarm his rivals, especially championship contender Perez.