McLaren's Long Run Pace Lags Behind Red Bull in Miami Practice

Analysis of Friday's practice long runs in Miami shows McLaren was slower than Red Bull Racing, despite Lando Norris taking Sprint Qualifying pole. However, a key caveat exists: Red Bull ran its long stint on the medium tire while McLaren used the hard compound, suggesting different race preparation strategies. Mercedes, led by Kimi Antonelli, posted the fastest average times on the hard tire.

Why it matters:

In the tight 2026 championship fight, every detail of race pace is scrutinized. While single-lap speed secured McLaren pole for the Sprint, long-run performance ultimately decides Grand Prix victories. The data suggests the competitive order remains fluid, with Mercedes appearing strong on high fuel and Red Bull potentially hiding its true race pace with an alternative tire strategy.

The details:

• Divergent Strategies: Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar conducted their primary long runs on the medium tire, preserving a set of hard tires for the Sprint or Grand Prix. McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes all used the hard tire for their race simulations.
• Mercedes Leads the Pack: Rookie Kimi Antonelli was the standout, averaging 1:32.947 on hard tires over a shorter run. Teammate George Russell was close behind, averaging 1:33.098.
• McLaren's Position: Despite Norris's qualifying heroics, McLaren's long-run averages were the slowest of the top teams. Norris averaged 1:34.445 and Oscar Piastri 1:34.115 on hards, roughly a second off Mercedes and three to seven tenths slower than Verstappen's medium-tire run.
• Ferrari in the Mix: Charles Leclerc was the fastest among the hard-tire runners not in a Mercedes, averaging 1:33.341, closely shadowing Lewis Hamilton's 1:33.562.
• Red Bull's Progress: The gap to the front in race simulations has closed significantly since Japan, where Red Bull was over a second off the pace. Verstappen's average of 1:33.716 on mediums, while not directly comparable, indicates improved long-run form.

What's next:

The Sprint race will provide the first true glimpse of the revised competitive order under racing conditions. George Russell, despite strong long-run pace, faces a recovery from P6 on the grid. All eyes will be on whether McLaren's single-lap speed translates to race-long performance and if Red Bull's alternative tire strategy gives them a tactical advantage for Sunday's main event. The data confirms no team can afford to celebrate yet, as the battle for race pace remains wide open.