F1 Miami GP: everything about the first free practice and Gabriel Bortoleto’s return to the track

Fórmula 1 ends a four-week break without official competitions with the start of Grande Prêmio and Miami activities this Friday. The engines roar again in Autódromo Internacional and Miami, marking the opening of the racing leg on the American continent in 2026. The first free practice session is scheduled for 1 pm, Brasília time. Gabriel Bortoleto, Brazilian representative on the grid, expressed optimism for the weekend after a period of intense preparation in the factories.

Esta stage in Flórida is strategic for teams due to the technical updates allowed by the new regulations. The circuit, set up around the Hard Rock Stadium, requires a balanced setup between straight line speed and traction in slow corners. Max Verstappen, which has two victories on the circuit, seeks to regain hegemony on North American soil. However, McLaren arrives strengthened by its recent history. Oscar Piastri won the 2025 edition after overcoming the Red Bull driver in a direct battle for position.

How will the weather play out in the sunshine state this weekend? 👀☀️#F1 #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/3083GrVVR1

— Formula 1 (@F1) April 30, 2026

Programação detailed of the weekend at Flórida

The Miami GP schedule follows the sprint race format, which reduces the teams’ preparation time to just one free practice session. Logo After the initial adjustment of the cars, the drivers face defining the grid for the short race on Friday afternoon. Saturday reserves the dispute for extra points in the sprint and the main qualifying session. Confira the complete schedule in Brasília time:

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• Sexta Thursday, May 1st:Treino free 1 at 1pm and Classificação Sprint at 5:30pm.
• Sábado, May 2:Corrida Sprint at 1pm and Classificação for the GP at 5pm.
• Domingo, May 3:Grande Prêmio from Miami scheduled to start at 5pm.
• Transmissão:The activities on Friday and Saturday feature sportv 3.
• Tempo Real:The ge portal follows all the events and behind-the-scenes events.

2026 Grid brings changes and young talents to the fore

The return of the category to Ocidente highlights the profound renewal that has taken place in the main teams for this season. Andrea Kimi Antonelli, coming off an impressive victory in the Japão GP, attracts attention in Mercedes alongside George Russell. Na Ferrari, the partnership between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton faces its first major test on the street circuit this year. Gabriel Bortoleto, now defending Audi’s colors, tries to erase last year’s negative result. In 2025, the Brazilian suffered a mechanical failure and had to abandon the race prematurely.

The internal dispute at Red Bull also gains urgency with the rise of Isack Hadjar. The young driver tries to maintain the pace to help Verstappen in the fight for the constructors’ world championship. Já to Aston Martin has a motivated Fernando Alonso, who dismissed rumors of immediate retirement. The Spaniard stated that the development of the current car suggests competitiveness for the rest of the calendar. Outra new is the presence of Cadillac, which aligns Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez in search of consistent points in the championship.

Circuit Histórico and technical challenges in Miami

Desde its inclusion on the calendar in 2022, the Miami GP has established itself as one of the most glamorous and complex races in the world championship. The asphalt, which tends to have high temperatures, challenges the durability of the soft compound tires brought by Pirelli. The final sector of the route, characterized by a sequence of close walls and a tight chicane, does not forgive driving errors. Além from a technical aspect, the stage is known for its luxury structure that attracts celebrities and boosts the local economy.

Last year, the race was decided by the strategy of energy management and overtaking at critical moments. Oscar Piastri started in fourth place and managed to manage the pace to cross the finish line comfortably. Lando Norris completed McLaren’s one-two on that occasion, signaling that the team adapts well to Miami’s conditions. Para 2026, the expectation is for asphalt with greater grip, which could lower lap times compared to previous sessions.