Ferrari is poised to be one of the teams that could 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 likened the return of Formula One to the United States after the mandatory April hiatus to a "relaunch" of the championship. He noted that the extended break has given every team a valuable window to refine their machinery, which has undergone dramatic changes under the new regulations.
These upgrades could potentially reshuffle the competitive hierarchy, offering a chance for teams that were previously mid‑pack to climb higher. Mercedes, having secured victories in the first three races of the year, arrives in Miami as the clear benchmark. Their drivers, Kimi Antonelli, who currently leads the Drivers' Championship, and George Russell, have demonstrated the speed and consistency that other contenders will need to match.
Close on Mercedes' heels are Ferrari and its two-star driver lineup. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton sit eight points behind the leaders, occupying third and fourth places in the championship standings. Their recent duels in China and Japan have been thrilling, with wheel‑to‑wheel battles that have kept fans on the edge of their seats.
When asked about Hamilton's form, Brundle highlighted that the British driver finally broke his Grand Prix podium drought for Ferrari at the second round in Shanghai. Although Hamilton struggled at Suzuka, finishing sixth while Leclerc claimed third, Brundle observed a noticeable shift in the driver's demeanor.
"Lewis clearly enjoys these cars much more," he told Sky Sports News. "Ferrari is more competitive and I think again will make a big step for Miami." Brundle added that Hamilton seems more at ease in a car that relies less on ground‑effect aerodynamics, which dominated the previous era and often felt harsh on drivers' styles.
The current generation of cars, with their emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical grip, appears to suit Hamilton's approach better, making him appear happier and more motivated. The former Mercedes driver now faces a direct challenge from his own teammate, Charles Leclerc. To clinch the world title, Hamilton must out‑perform Leclerc not only within Ferrari but also against the broader field. "He’s got to beat Charles Leclerc if he's going to win the world championship in the other Ferrari, and others," Brundle said.
"Let's see if he can sustain that. If there's a sniff of a victory, I think Lewis is still very much capable of taking that." Both drivers have experienced recent success: Leclerc secured a win earlier in the season, while Ferrari's overall victory drought stretches back to October 2024, when Carlos Sainz triumphed in Mexico City. The upcoming Miami event will be the second Sprint weekend of the year, a format that McLaren has dominated for the past two seasons, yet Mercedes remains the favourite due to its flawless start to the new regulatory era. Despite Mercedes' early dominance, Brundle cautioned that it is still premature to declare a definitive pecking order under the new rules.
With 19 races still to run, the championship landscape remains fluid. "I think it's totally wide open," he remarked.
"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 others with some upgrades because there is so much upside potential with these cars." He emphasized that any of the top four teams—Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, and possibly McLaren—could see one of their eight drivers claim the world title, underscoring the unpredictability of the season.
The Miami Grand Prix schedule is packed with action. Thursday, April 30, will feature the Drivers' Press Conference at 7 pm, followed by the Paddock Uncut at 10 pm.
Friday, May 1, includes F2 practice, the first Miami GP practice session, F2 qualifying, the Team Bosses' Press Conference, and the Sprint Qualifying session. Saturday, May 2, offers the F2 Sprint, the Sprint build‑up, the Miami GP Sprint, and the qualifying build‑up leading to the main qualifying session.
Sunday, May 3, will host the F2 Feature Race, the Grand Prix build‑up, the Miami Grand Prix itself, and post‑race analysis, all broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event. For viewers, the race will be streamed live on Sky Sports F1 via the NOW platform, with no long‑term contract required and the option to cancel at any time. Fans can also stay updated through Sky Sports' WhatsApp channel, which delivers the latest news, videos, features, and in‑depth analysis.
In summary, while Mercedes currently leads the championship, Ferrari's potential improvement, Hamilton's renewed confidence, and the inherent volatility of the new technical regulations mean that the Miami Grand Prix could be a pivotal moment. Brundle's outlook suggests that the battle for supremacy is far from settled, and the next few weeks will likely see several teams making bold upgrades, chasing points, and perhaps reshaping the championship narrative entirely.