Ferrari is expected to be one of the teams that will make a significant performance jump at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, according to Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle. The Italian squad is aiming to narrow the gap to Mercedes, even though the 2026 season is already shaping up to be highly unpredictable at the front of the grid. Brundle likens the return of Formula 1 to the United States after the mandatory April hiatus to a "relaunch of the season". He points out that the enforced break has given every team extra time to develop their cars, which have been radically altered under the new technical regulations.
With these extensive upgrades, the competitive order could shift dramatically, allowing teams that have been lagging to surge forward. Mercedes, having secured victories in the first three races of the year, currently sits at the top of the championship hierarchy. Their drivers, Kimi Antonelli, who leads the Drivers' Championship, and his teammate George Russell, have been the benchmark for performance. However, Ferrari and its driver pair are closing in fast.
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton sit just eight points behind the Mercedes duo, occupying third and fourth places in the Drivers' standings. Their recent battles in China and Japan have been thrilling, with wheel‑to‑wheel duels that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Regarding Hamilton, Brundle noted that the British driver finally broke his Grand Prix podium drought for Ferrari in Shanghai, the second round of the season.
Although Hamilton struggled at Suzuka, finishing sixth while Leclerc claimed third, Brundle believes the experience has boosted the former Mercedes star's confidence. "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." The former Mercedes champion appears to be more comfortable with the current generation of cars than with the previous ground‑effect era, which he described as "brutal" and not suited to his driving style. Brundle observed that Hamilton's mood has improved noticeably, attributing it to Ferrari's increased competitiveness. "He seems a lot happier because Ferrari is more competitive," Brundle said. "He has to beat Charles Leclerc if he wants to win the world championship, and if there’s even a hint of a victory, I think Lewis is still very much capable of taking it." Both Hamilton and Leclerc have not won a race this season yet, while Ferrari’s overall winless streak stretches back to October 2024, when Carlos Sainz secured a victory in Mexico City.
The next race weekend will feature the second Sprint event of the year in Miami, a circuit where McLaren has triumphed in each of the past two seasons. Nevertheless, Mercedes remains the favorite, having won every race since the introduction of the new 2026 regulations.
Brundle cautioned that it is still too early to declare a definitive hierarchy under the new rule set. With 19 races still to run, development trajectories for each car are still unfolding. "I think it's totally wide open," he asserted. "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 leapfrogging 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 weekend is packed.
On Thursday, April 30, the Drivers' Press Conference will begin 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 (with the session itself starting at 5 pm), F2 qualifying at 7.25 pm, the Team Bosses' Press Conference at 8.10 pm, and the Sprint Qualifying session kicking off at 8.40 pm (the actual session beginning at 9.30 pm).
Saturday, May 2, includes the F2 Sprint at 2.55 pm, a build‑up to the Miami Sprint at 4 pm, the Sprint race at 5 pm, Ted's Sprint Notebook at 6.30 pm, a build‑up to the Grand Prix Qualifying at 8 pm, the qualifying session at 9 pm, and Ted's Qualifying Notebook at 11 pm. Finally, Sunday, May 3, will feature the F2 Feature Race at 5.25 pm, a Grand Prix build‑up at 7 pm, the Miami Grand Prix itself at 9 pm, a post‑race reaction segment at 11 pm, and Ted's Notebook at midnight. All of these events will also be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event.
For viewers, the Miami Grand Prix marks the return of Formula 1 action after a brief pause, and it will be the season's second Sprint weekend. The race will be streamed live on Sky Sports F1 and can also be accessed via the NOW platform, which offers a contract‑free, cancel‑anytime option. Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest news, video highlights, in‑depth analysis, and additional content surrounding the event.
In summary, while Mercedes currently leads the championship, Ferrari appears poised to make a substantial leap forward at Miami, and Lewis Hamilton looks revitalised behind the wheel of a more competitive Ferrari. The combination of a packed weekend schedule, the potential for rapid development gains, and the inherent unpredictability of the new regulations means that the battle for the 2026 title remains wide open, with any of the top teams and drivers capable of seizing the championship lead as the season progresses.