Red Bull gives a touch to Ferrari after a final test that reflects the superiority of the RB18 on the asphalt of Miami: Pérez rules with almost two tenths over Leclerc, and that Verstappen’s perfect lap almost ends up against the walls. The Dutchman, third to three tenths, almost certainly saved an accident when he was going to hit a bull from the energy drink that sponsors him. He was able to stop the car and prevent drama for the mechanics from him. All in all, the Miami Gardens straights make the Milton Keynes car great and for now minimize the Ferrari. Sainz’s times at the moment are not up to the best, the Madrilenian was seventh to eight tenths of the Mexican. We have to wait for the classification.
The surprise in the top-4 was not from Ferrari, Mercedes or McLaren, but from Alonso: the Spaniard was seven tenths behind Red Bull, the first of the mortals in a fight to the thousandth against Vettel and Schumacher. Alpine has not done it against Aston Martin and Haas, but it is confirmed that the two-time Spanish champion steps on any new circuit first with the right foot. He was not able to lap in 1:30, as the first three did. In any case, he is there, again, waiting for the points to give him back what seems to be his.
The typical accident this time was carried out by Esteban Ocon, who went to the medical center to confirm that everything is in place after a crash that exceeded the established G-force limit. His Alpine ended up seriously damaged, the walls of Miami are unforgiving and the speed on this asphalt is very high. A last Alpine, without times, and the other room, without explanation. Sainz’s Ferrari is missing. But Red Bull has room, that’s what it seems.