Ferrari are poised to be one of the squads that could make a significant leap forward in performance at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, according to Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle. The Italian team is targeting a reduction in the distance to Mercedes, even though the 2026 season is still expected to be highly unpredictable at the front of the grid. Brundle likened the return of Formula One to the United States after the mandatory April hiatus to a "relaunch" of the championship.
He explained that the enforced break gave every team a rare window of time to develop their machinery, resulting in cars that are "dramatically changed and, hopefully, improved." Those upgrades could reshuffle the existing hierarchy, creating fresh opportunities for teams that have struggled in the early rounds. Mercedes, having secured victories in all three races so far, remain the benchmark to beat. Their drivers, Kimi Antonelli, who currently leads the Drivers' Championship, and his teammate George Russell, have demonstrated a dominant package that combines speed, reliability, and strategic acumen.
Close behind the Silver Arrows are Ferrari and its two-star driver lineup: Charles Leclerc and the newly arrived Lewis Hamilton. The pair sit eight points apart in third and fourth place, respectively, after a series of thrilling wheel‑to‑wheel duels in China and Japan. Their battles have injected excitement into the championship and suggest that the Italian squad is narrowing the performance gap. When asked about Hamilton's adaptation to the Ferrari, Brundle noted, "Lewis clearly enjoys these cars much more than the ground‑effect machines we saw in previous seasons.
The current aerodynamic philosophy suits his driving style, and he appears considerably happier behind the wheel." He added that Ferrari's recent competitiveness has boosted Hamilton's morale, stating, "He looks more relaxed and confident because the car is finally giving him a chance to fight for podiums and wins." Brundle also highlighted that Hamilton's recent podium in Shanghai, where he broke his long‑standing Grand Prix podium drought, was a clear sign that the partnership with Ferrari is beginning to bear fruit. Although his performance at Suzuka was less impressive, finishing sixth while Leclerc claimed third, the overall trend points to a growing synergy between driver and machine. Looking ahead to the Miami event, Brundle believes the race could be a turning point. "Ferrari is more competitive now, and I think they will make a big step for Miami," he told Sky Sports News.
"If there is even a hint of a victory, Lewis is still very much capable of taking it." The Miami Grand Prix will also mark the second Sprint weekend of the season, a format that adds an extra layer of strategy and points-scoring opportunities. While McLaren have claimed Sprint victories in the two previous years, Mercedes still enter the weekend as the favorites due to their flawless start to the new regulatory era introduced in 2026. Nevertheless, Brundle cautioned against drawing premature conclusions about the final order of the championship.
"It is still too early in the development cycle of these new cars for a definitive hierarchy to emerge," he said. "We have 19 races left, and the potential for rapid upgrades means the standings could change dramatically from one weekend to the next." He emphasized the fluid nature of the competition, noting, "I think it's totally wide open. With the Sprint weekend in Miami, there are Sprint points and Grand Prix points up for grabs. 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." Brundle went on to suggest that any of the top four teams—Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, and perhaps McLaren—could produce a champion this year. "Anybody in the top four, any of those eight drivers, could win the world championship," he asserted, underscoring the unpredictable landscape of the 2026 season. The schedule for the Miami weekend is packed with action.
Thursday will feature a Drivers' Press Conference at 7 pm, followed by a Paddock Uncut session at 10 pm. Friday's agenda includes an F2 practice session at 2:35 pm, the first Miami GP practice at 4:30 pm, and a series of qualifying and press events throughout the evening.
Saturday will host the F2 Sprint, the Miami Sprint race, and the build‑up to the main Grand Prix qualifying. Finally, Sunday will culminate with the F2 Feature Race, the Miami Grand Prix itself, and post‑race analysis.
Fans can follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, videos, and in‑depth analysis, and they can stream every F1 race via the NOW platform, which offers a flexible, contract‑free viewing experience. Brundle's optimism about Ferrari's progress, combined with the inherent uncertainty of the new technical regulations, sets the stage for an exciting Miami showdown where any team could seize the moment and reshape the championship narrative.