Ferrari are poised to be one of the outfits that could make a substantial 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 highlighted that the United States round will feel like a fresh start for the championship after the sport’s mandatory April hiatus, giving teams an extended window to refine their cars, which have undergone dramatic changes under the new regulations. He suggested that these developments could reshuffle the competitive hierarchy as teams bring upgraded machinery to the track.
Mercedes, having won the first three races of the year, enter the Miami event as the clear benchmark to beat. Their drivers, championship leader Kimi Antonelli and teammate George Russell, have demonstrated consistent pace and reliability, reinforcing Mercedes’ reputation as the team to chase.
However, Ferrari and its two star drivers sit just behind the dominant Silver Arrows in the standings. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, now teammates at Ferrari, are separated by a modest eight points in the drivers’ championship, occupying third and fourth places respectively.
Their recent duels in China and Japan have provided fans with thrilling wheel‑to‑wheel action, underscoring the potential for a close fight throughout the season. Brundle also commented on Hamilton’s situation. The British driver broke his long‑standing Grand Prix podium drought at the second round in Shanghai, securing a podium for Ferrari, before encountering a tougher weekend at Suzuka where he finished sixth while Leclerc claimed third. Brundle told Sky Sports News that Hamilton appears to be enjoying the Ferrari package much more than his previous cars.
He noted, "Ferrari is more competitive and I think again will make a big step for Miami. Lewis obviously prefers this type of car to the ground‑effect machines we had before, which were harsh on his driving style." The analyst added that Hamilton’s mood seems markedly improved, attributing his happiness to the increased competitiveness of the Scuderia. "He has to beat Charles Leclerc if he wants to win the world championship, and if there’s even a whiff of a victory, I think Lewis is still very much capable of taking it," Brundle said. This optimism comes despite the fact that both Hamilton and Leclerc have not won a race this year, with Ferrari’s last victory dating back to October 2024 when Carlos Sainz triumphed in Mexico City.
The Miami weekend will feature the season’s second Sprint race, a format that McLaren has dominated over the past two years. Nevertheless, Mercedes remain favourites given their perfect record at the start of the new regulatory era. Brundle cautioned that it is still too early in the development cycle to declare a definitive pecking order, especially with 19 races still to contest. "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 event is packed.
Thursday, April 30, will host the drivers’ press conference at 7 pm, followed by the Paddock Uncut at 10 pm. Friday, May 1, features F2 practice at 2.35 pm, Miami GP practice one at 4.30 pm, F2 qualifying at 7.25 pm, the team bosses’ press conference at 8.10 pm, and the Sprint qualifying session at 8.40 pm (with the actual session starting 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 itself at 5 pm, followed by Ted’s Sprint Notebook at 6.30 pm, a build‑up to qualifying at 8 pm, the Miami GP qualifying at 9 pm, and Ted’s Qualifying Notebook at 11 pm. Sunday, May 3, will see the F2 feature race at 5.25 pm, a Grand Prix build‑up at 7 pm, the Miami Grand Prix at 9 pm, a post‑race reaction segment at 11 pm, and Ted’s Notebook at midnight.
All of these sessions will also be available on Sky Sports Main Event. For fans wanting to follow the action, Sky Sports offers a range of digital options, including a WhatsApp channel for the latest news, videos, features, and analysis.
The network also provides streaming through NOW, allowing viewers to watch every race without a long‑term contract and with the flexibility to cancel at any time. Brundle’s assessment underscores the excitement surrounding the Miami Grand Prix: a race that could see Ferrari make a decisive leap forward, Hamilton rediscover his winning form, and the championship narrative continue to evolve in unpredictable ways.