Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) dominated the practice session at the Miami Grand Prix, setting a fastest lap of 1:29.310, ahead of Max Verstappen (Red Bull) by 0.164 seconds and Oscar Piastri (McLaren). The session showcased Ferrari's new upgrades, with Leclerc's performance indicating a strong return after a five-week hiatus due to the conflict in the Middle East. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) finished fourth, while Mercedes struggled without significant changes to their cars. Discussions surrounding the F1 engine regulations for 2027 are expected to conclude soon, potentially shifting the balance of power between engine and electrical power, which may influence the future of prominent drivers like Verstappen and Fernando Alonso. The session concluded with both Verstappen and Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) reporting gearbox issues, while Leclerc maintained his lead as the top contenders prepared for the sprint qualifying.