Red Bull Upgrades Help Verstappen to P5 in Miami Sprint Quali

Max Verstappen delivered Red Bull's strongest qualifying performance of the 2026 Formula One season Friday at the Miami International Autodrome, securing fifth place for Saturday's sprint race after the team introduced a major upgrade package to its RB22 car.

The Dutch driver, a four-time world champion, clocked a lap 0.592 seconds slower than polesitter Lando Norris of McLaren. Verstappen outqualified Mercedes' George Russell and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, marking a clear step forward from recent races where Red Bull lagged more than a second behind the leaders.

The upgrades, comprising seven new components with six focused on performance, debuted during Friday's extended practice session, where Verstappen posted the second-fastest time. Changes included a Macarena-style rear wing inspired by Ferrari's design, revised sidepod inlets, engine cover, mirror support geometry, rear corner, plus a new floor and front wing. These aimed to boost aerodynamic efficiency and stability.

"It feels more together," Verstappen said. "Of course, there's still things that we are working on, but it has been a really positive step for us. Last few races, we were like over a second behind. I would...