Ferrari are expected to be one of the teams that make a significant performance jump at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, as they aim to narrow the gap to Mercedes in what promises to remain an exceptionally open 2026 season, according to Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle. Brundle explained that the return of Formula 1 to the United States will feel like a fresh start for the championship after the sport’s mandatory April hiatus. The break gave every team a valuable window to refine their cars, which have undergone dramatic changes under the new regulations.
He believes those developments could reshuffle the competitive hierarchy, allowing a team that was previously mid‑pack to surge forward. Mercedes, having secured victories in the first three races of the year, will head back to the grid as the clear front‑runner. Their drivers, Kimi Antonelli, who currently leads the Drivers’ Championship, and George Russell, are expected to continue delivering strong results. Close behind the dominant Silver Arrows are Ferrari and their two star drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
The pair sit eight points apart in third and fourth place in the drivers’ standings, having provided fans with thrilling wheel‑to‑wheel duels in both the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix. Their rivalry has added an extra layer of intrigue to the championship battle.
When asked about Hamilton’s recent form, Brundle noted that the former Mercedes driver finally broke his podium drought for Ferrari at the second round in Shanghai, before encountering a more challenging weekend at Suzuka where he finished sixth while Leclerc took third. "Lewis clearly enjoys these cars much more now," Brundle told Sky Sports News. "Ferrari is more competitive and I think they will make a big step for Miami." Brundle added that Hamilton seems to thrive in the current generation of cars, which differ markedly from the ground‑effect machines of previous years.
Those older cars were notoriously harsh on drivers, forcing a style of driving that did not suit Hamilton’s strengths. "He’s much happier now because Ferrari is more competitive," Brundle said. "If he can keep that momentum, a victory is still within his reach." The British driver’s goal, according to Brundle, is to out‑perform his teammate Leclerc, as that would be essential for any claim to the world title. Both drivers are still seeking their first win of the season, with Ferrari’s overall victory drought stretching back to October 2024, when Carlos Sainz claimed a win in Mexico City.
The Miami weekend will also feature the second Sprint race of the year. McLaren have won the sprint at this venue in each of the last two seasons, but Mercedes remain the favorites given their flawless start to the new‑regulation era in 2026. Nevertheless, Brundle cautioned that it is still too early to declare a definitive pecking order, as teams continue to develop their cars throughout the remaining 19 races.
"I think it’s totally wide open," Brundle affirmed. "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. Any of the top four teams, any of those eight drivers, could win this year’s world championship." The schedule for the Miami event is packed.
On Thursday, April 30, a Drivers’ Press Conference will take place at 7 pm, followed by the Paddock Uncut at 10 pm. Friday, May 1, will see F2 practice at 2.35 pm, the first Miami GP practice session at 4.30 pm, and F2 qualifying at 7.25 pm.
The Team Bosses’ Press Conference is slated for 8.10 pm, with the Sprint Qualifying session beginning at 8.40 pm (the actual qualifying session starts at 9.30 pm). Saturday, May 2, will feature the F2 Sprint at 2.55 pm, a build‑up to the Miami GP Sprint at 4 pm, the sprint itself at 5 pm, and a post‑race analysis segment, Ted’s Sprint Notebook, at 6.30 pm.
The day will conclude with a build‑up to the main Grand Prix qualifying at 8 pm, the qualifying session at 9 pm, and Ted’s Qualifying Notebook at 11 pm. Sunday, May 3, will host the F2 Feature Race at 5.25 pm, a build‑up to the Grand Prix at 7 pm, the Miami Grand Prix itself at 9 pm, a post‑race reaction at 11 pm, and Ted’s final Notebook at midnight.
All of these sessions will also be available on Sky Sports Main Event. The return to action will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options via NOW for viewers who prefer an online platform. Brundle’s optimism underscores the notion that the 2026 season is far from settled, and that the Miami Grand Prix could be a pivotal moment for Ferrari, Hamilton, and the entire championship landscape. In summary, while Mercedes currently hold the advantage, the combination of new car developments, the unique challenges of a street circuit in Miami, and the added Sprint format means that any of the leading teams could seize the opportunity to climb the leaderboard.
Hamilton’s renewed confidence in the Ferrari, Leclerc’s consistent pace, and the potential for surprise performances from McLaren or other contenders ensure that fans can expect an electrifying weekend full of strategic battles, high‑speed drama, and possibly a reshaping of the title fight.