After a five-week break, the 2026 Formula 1 season is set to resume at the Miami Grand Prix, with teams having had a month to work on their cars and bring new upgrades. Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has likened the return to action as the start of a 'new championship', with all teams expected to bring significant updates.
The break has given teams the opportunity to analyze data, optimize their cars, and make improvements, which could lead to a shake-up in the pecking order. The Miami Grand Prix will be the season's fourth race weekend and second Sprint event, with Mercedes leading both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships. The team's lead over second-placed Ferrari is 45 points, while reigning champions McLaren are 89 points off the pace in third place.
The first practice session in Miami will be extended to 90 minutes to allow drivers and teams to get up to speed with the new regulations, which focus on energy deployment and aim to improve qualifying laps and reduce drastic closing speeds between cars.