Ferrari are expected to be one of the squads that will make a significant performance jump at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, aiming to narrow the gap to the dominant Mercedes team in what promises to be a highly unpredictable 2026 season, according to Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle. Brundle described the return of Formula One to the United States as a sort of "re‑launch" of the championship after the mandatory April hiatus. He noted that the extended break has given every team a valuable window to refine their cars, which have undergone dramatic redesigns under the new regulations.
Those improvements could reshuffle the hierarchy and create fresh opportunities for teams that struggled earlier in the year. Mercedes have established themselves as the benchmark after clinching victories in the first three rounds of the campaign, with driver Kimi Antonelli leading the championship and teammate George Russell providing strong support.
Their flawless start has set the bar for the rest of the field. Close behind the Silver Arrows are Ferrari and their two star drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, who sit eight points apart in third and fourth place in the drivers' standings. The pair have already delivered thrilling wheel‑to‑wheel duels in China and Japan, proving that the Italian squad can still challenge for podiums despite a rocky start.
When asked about Hamilton’s recent form, Brundle highlighted the British driver’s renewed confidence after breaking his Grand Prix podium drought at the Shanghai race, where he finished second behind Leclerc. Hamilton’s subsequent sixth‑place finish at Suzuka was less impressive, but Brundle believes the change of machinery has been a catalyst for the former Mercedes ace. "Lewis clearly enjoys these cars much more," Brundle told Sky Sports News.
"Ferrari is more competitive now and I think they will make a big step for Miami." He added that Hamilton’s driving style seems better suited to the current generation of cars, which rely less on the extreme ground‑effect aerodynamics that characterised the previous era. "Those ground‑effect cars were brutally hard on the tyres and didn’t really match his smooth, precise approach. This new package feels more natural to him," Brundle explained.
Brundle also pointed out the psychological boost Hamilton receives from driving a more competitive car. "His mood is noticeably brighter, and you can see he’s more relaxed because Ferrari is finally giving him a chance to fight for wins," he said.
"If he can beat Charles Leclerc consistently, he could still be in contention for the world title, even if he’s now in a different team." The Italian side has struggled with victories this season, the last win coming from Carlos Sainz in Mexico City back in October 2024. Since then, Ferrari have endured a winless spell, which makes the prospect of a performance surge in Miami all the more crucial for the team’s morale and championship hopes. The Miami event will also feature the second Sprint weekend of the year, a format that adds extra points and can shake up the championship order.
McLaren have dominated the Sprint races at this circuit over the past two seasons, but Mercedes remain the favourites given their flawless start to the new‑regulation era. Nevertheless, Brundle cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions so early in the development cycle. With 19 races still to run, the aerodynamic and power‑unit upgrades that teams will introduce could dramatically alter the competitive landscape. "I think it’s totally wide open," he said.
"We have a Sprint weekend in Miami, so there are Sprint points to be won, Grand Prix points to be won. This is going to ebb and flow.
I see teams leap‑frogging each other with upgrades because there is so much upside potential with these cars." He summed up his outlook by stating that any of the top four teams – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren – and any of the eight drivers within those squads could realistically claim the world championship by season’s end. "The new ruleset has opened the door for a lot of variability. It’s not just about who starts the season strongest; it’s about who can adapt and improve fastest," Brundle concluded.
The schedule for the Miami weekend is packed with action: a drivers' press conference on Thursday evening, followed by a full day of practice and qualifying sessions for both F2 and F1 on Friday. Saturday will see the F2 sprint, the Miami Sprint race itself, and the build‑up to the main Grand Prix qualifying.
Sunday culminates with the F2 feature race, the Miami Grand Prix, and post‑race analysis. All events will be streamed live on Sky Sports F1 and can be accessed via the NOW platform, with no long‑term contract required. Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for real‑time updates, video highlights, and expert analysis throughout the weekend. The combination of a fresh Sprint format, potential upgrades from Ferrari, and the ever‑present threat from Mercedes makes the Miami Grand Prix a pivotal moment in what is shaping up to be a season full of surprises and fierce competition.