Ferrari are expected to be one of the teams 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 outfit is looking to narrow the distance to the dominant Mercedes squad as the 2026 season continues to unfold in what Brundle describes as a "wide open" championship battle.
Brundle sees the return to racing in the United States as a kind of reset for the season. After the mandatory April hiatus, teams have been granted an extended window to refine their machinery, resulting in "dramatically changed and, hopefully, improved cars" that could reshuffle the competitive hierarchy. This pause has given engineers and designers the chance to implement substantial upgrades, and Brundle believes the Miami event could act as a showcase for those developments. Mercedes, having secured victories in the first three races of the year, remain the clear benchmark for the rest of the field.
Their drivers, championship leader Kimi Antonelli and teammate George Russell, have set a high bar, and the British team appears poised to continue its winning streak. Ferrari sit just behind Mercedes in the constructors' standings, with their two lead drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, occupying third and fourth place in the drivers' championship. The pair are separated by a modest eight points, and their recent duels in China and Japan have provided fans with thrilling wheel‑to‑wheel action.
Both drivers have demonstrated that they can challenge the front‑runners when the car is in the right condition. When asked about Hamilton's recent form, Brundle highlighted the British driver's newfound confidence after breaking his podium drought at the second round in Shanghai. Hamilton finished sixth at Suzuka, while Leclerc secured a podium in third place. Brundle told Sky Sports News that Hamilton appears to be enjoying the Ferrari more than his previous ground‑effect cars, which he described as "brutal" and not well suited to his driving style.
"Ferrari is more competitive and I think again will make a big step for Miami," Brundle said, adding that Hamilton's mood seems markedly better because the team is finally offering him a car that can fight at the front. The analyst also noted that Hamilton's primary objective will be to out‑perform his teammate Leclerc, as a victory over the Italian could be crucial for his championship aspirations. "He’s got to beat Charles Leclerc if he’s going to win the world championship in the other Ferrari, and others," Brundle explained, emphasizing that Hamilton still possesses the talent to seize a win if the opportunity arises.
Both drivers have experienced recent success: Hamilton's last win came while he was still with Mercedes, and Leclerc's most recent triumph was in 2024, ending Ferrari's winless streak that had stretched back to October of that year when Carlos Sainz claimed victory in Mexico City. The upcoming Miami weekend will also feature the season's second Sprint race, a format that McLaren has dominated over the past two years, though Mercedes remains the favorite given its flawless start to the new 2026 regulations era. Brundle cautioned, however, that it is still early in the development cycle of the new rulebook, and a definitive pecking order has not yet solidified with 19 races still to run. "I think it's totally wide open," he affirmed.
"We have got 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. Anybody I would say in the top four teams, any of those eight drivers, could win this year's world championship." The schedule for the Miami event is packed with action.
On Thursday, April 30, the drivers' press conference will kick off the weekend at 7 p.m., followed by the Paddock Uncut at 10 p.m. Friday, May 1, will feature F2 practice at 2.35 p.m., the first Miami GP practice session at 4.30 p.m., and the F2 qualifying session at 7.25 p.m.
The team bosses' press conference is slated for 8.10 p.m., with the Sprint qualifying session beginning at 8.40 p.m. (the actual session starts at 9.30 p.m.). Saturday, May 2, will see the F2 sprint race at 2.55 p.m., followed by a series of build‑up shows leading to the Miami GP Sprint at 5 p.m. and the Sprint Qualifying at 9 p.m.
The day will conclude with Ted's Sprint Notebook at 11 p.m. Sunday, May 3, will host the F2 feature race at 5.25 p.m., a pre‑Grand Prix build‑up at 7 p.m., and the main event—the Miami Grand Prix—starting at 9 p.m. Post‑race analysis, including the chequered flag reaction and Ted's Notebook, will continue into the early hours of Monday. For viewers, the race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available via NOW, offering a contract‑free option that can be cancelled at any time.
Sky Sports also encourages fans to follow their coverage on WhatsApp for the latest news, videos, features, and analysis. In summary, the Miami Grand Prix represents a pivotal moment for Ferrari and the rest of the field. With the season's second Sprint weekend providing extra points and the potential for significant car upgrades, the championship narrative remains fluid. Brundle's optimism reflects the belief that any of the top four teams—and their eight leading drivers—still have a realistic shot at clinching the 2026 world title, making the upcoming weekend a must‑watch for any Formula 1 enthusiast.