Ferrari are expected to be one of the teams that will make a significant performance jump at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, as they aim to narrow the gap to the dominant Mercedes outfit in what promises to remain an exceptionally open 2026 season, according to Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle. Brundle highlighted that the return of Formula One to the United States will feel like a fresh start to the championship after the sport’s mandatory April hiatus. The break gave every team extra time in the factory to refine their machines, which have been dramatically altered under the new regulations. He suggested that the extensive development work could lead to a reshuffling of the competitive hierarchy, with several teams potentially leap‑frogging each other as upgrades are introduced.
Mercedes, having won the first three races of the year, are currently the benchmark that every other contender must chase. Their drivers, Kimi Antonelli, who leads the Drivers' Championship, and his teammate George Russell, have demonstrated a clear advantage over the field. Ferrari sit closest to the British squad in the Constructors' standings, with their two drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, occupying third and fourth places respectively, just eight points behind the Mercedes pair. Both drivers have already delivered thrilling, side‑by‑side battles in the recent rounds in China and Japan, underscoring the intensity of the title fight.
When asked about Hamilton’s recent form, Brundle noted that the former Mercedes driver finally broke his Grand Prix podium drought for Ferrari at the second race of the season in Shanghai. Although he struggled at Suzuka, finishing sixth while Leclerc claimed third, Brundle observed that Hamilton appears far more comfortable in the current Ferrari package. "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 forward for Miami." Brundle went on to explain that Hamilton’s driving style seems better suited to the modern aerodynamic concepts that underpin the 2026 cars, as opposed to the older ground‑effect designs that were notoriously harsh on drivers. "He prefers this type of car to the seasons we had with the ground‑effect cars that were smashing against the ground and were quite brutal," Brundle said. "His mood is noticeably brighter, and he looks a lot happier because Ferrari is more competitive." The former champion also stressed that Hamilton must still out‑perform his own teammate, Charles Leclerc, if he hopes to capture the World Championship.
"He’s got to beat Charles Leclerc if he’s going to win the title," Brundle warned. "If there’s even a whiff of a victory, I think Lewis is still very much capable of taking that." Both drivers have a mixed record this season: Hamilton, still with Mercedes in his mind, has yet to secure a win, while Leclerc’s last triumph came in 2024, and Ferrari have endured a winless spell since Carlos Sainz’s victory in Mexico City in October of that year. The upcoming Miami weekend marks the second Sprint event of the calendar year, a format that McLaren have dominated over the past two seasons.
Nevertheless, Mercedes remain the favourites, having secured a perfect winning start to the new‑regulation era. Brundle cautioned, however, that it is still too early to declare a definitive pecking order under the new ruleset.
With 19 races still to run, the championship is far from settled. "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 added that any of the eight drivers currently occupying the top four teams could realistically claim the World Championship by the end of the season. This sentiment reflects the high level of technical uncertainty and the rapid development cycles that have become a hallmark of the 2026 formula.
The schedule for the Miami Grand Prix weekend is packed with action. Thursday, April 30, will feature a Drivers' Press Conference at 7 p.m., followed by the Paddock Uncut show at 10 p.m. On Friday, May 1, fans can watch the F2 practice session at 2.35 p.m., the Miami GP practice at 4.30 p.m., and the F2 qualifying at 7.25 p.m.
The Team Bosses' Press Conference will air at 8.10 p.m., with the Sprint Qualifying session kicking off at 8.40 p.m. (the actual session begins at 9.30 p.m.).
Saturday, May 2, will see the F2 Sprint at 2.55 p.m., a build‑up show for the Miami Sprint at 4 p.m., and the Sprint race itself at 5 p.m. Additional coverage includes "Ted's Sprint Notebook" at 6.30 p.m., a build‑up to the Grand Prix Qualifying at 8 p.m., the qualifying session at 9 p.m., and "Ted's Qualifying Notebook" at 11 p.m. Sunday, May 3, will culminate with the F2 Feature Race at 5.25 p.m., a Grand Prix build‑up show at 7 p.m., the Miami Grand Prix itself at 9 p.m., followed by a post‑race reaction segment at 11 p.m., and "Ted's Notebook" at midnight.
All of these programs will also be available on Sky Sports Main Event. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the Miami Grand Prix and its associated Sprint weekend will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options available through the NOW platform. The coverage promises comprehensive analysis, live timing, and on‑track commentary, ensuring fans can follow every twist and turn of what promises to be a pivotal weekend in a season that remains wide open. In summary, Brundle’s outlook suggests that while Mercedes currently sit atop the standings, Ferrari are poised to make a substantial leap in performance at Miami.
Hamilton’s renewed confidence in the Ferrari chassis adds another layer of intrigue, as he aims to challenge both his teammate Leclerc and the Mercedes duo for the championship. With the new regulations still in their infancy and development trajectories yet to fully reveal themselves, the Miami Grand Prix could very well be the event that reshapes the narrative of the 2026 Formula One season.