Hadjar disqualified, grid reshuffled for 2026 Miami GP

Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar has been disqualified from qualifying for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, promoting all drivers behind him and setting a new grid order. Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli will now start from pole position, with Max Verstappen moving up to join him on the front row.

Why it matters:

This late technical disqualification underscores the intense scrutiny and zero-tolerance approach to car legality in Formula 1. A minor 2mm infringement has dramatically reshuffled the grid, proving that qualifying results are never final until all cars pass post-session inspection. It significantly alters the strategic landscape for the race, especially with uncertain weather conditions forecast.

The details:

• The Infringement: Hadjar's RB22 was found to have a floor that protruded 2mm beyond the permitted reference volume, a breach of the technical regulations. The stewards deemed the part non-compliant, leading to his exclusion from the qualifying results.
• Grid Reshuffle: With Hadjar moved to the back of the grid, every driver who qualified from P10 onward moves up one position. The most significant beneficiary is Max Verstappen, who now starts from the front row in P2 alongside pole-sitter Kimi Antonelli.
• Weather Wildcard: Forecasted rain adds a major layer of unpredictability to the race start. A wet or mixed-condition race could neutralize some of the advantage held by those starting at the front and provide opportunities for drivers further back, including Hadjar, to recover.
• Antonelli's Opportunity: The disqualification solidifies a dream pole position for Mercedes' highly-touted rookie, Kimi Antonelli. Starting from P1 in only his second F1 season, and with rain likely, he faces a monumental but career-defining challenge to convert it into a maiden victory.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the start of the Miami Grand Prix, where the new grid order meets variable weather.

• The battle between Antonelli and the experienced Verstappen on the front row will be critical, with the Dutchman poised to attack for the lead.
• Hadjar faces a steep recovery drive from the back of the grid, a task made even more complex by potential rain, which could lead to a chaotic opening lap.
• The incident serves as a stark reminder to all teams of the precision required in the current regulatory era, where even the smallest margin can result in a severe penalty.