Ferrari are expected to be one of the squads that will make a significant performance jump at the Miami Grand Prix, aiming to narrow the gap to Mercedes in what promises to remain a highly unpredictable 2026 season, Martin Brundle told Sky Sports F1. Brundle sees the United States round as a sort of "relaunch" after the mandatory April hiatus, giving every team a rare window to refine their radically altered cars and potentially reshuffle the competitive hierarchy. Mercedes enter the weekend as the clear front‑runners, having swept all three races held so far.
Their drivers, championship leader Kimi Antonelli and teammate George Russell, sit atop the standings and look set to continue their dominance unless another team can mount a serious challenge. Close behind are the two Ferrari drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, who are currently eight points apart in third and fourth place. Both have produced exciting wheel‑to‑wheel battles, notably in China and Japan, and their rivalry adds another layer of intrigue to the championship narrative.
When asked about Hamilton's form, Brundle highlighted the British driver's newfound enthusiasm for the Ferrari machinery. After breaking his Grand Prix podium drought at the second round in Shanghai, Hamilton endured a tougher weekend at Suzuka, finishing sixth while Leclerc claimed third. Brundle noted, "Lewis clearly enjoys these cars much more. Ferrari is more competitive and I think again will make a big step for Miami." He went on to explain that Hamilton's driving style seems better suited to the current generation of cars than to the previous era of ground‑effect machines, which were notoriously harsh on drivers.
"He looks happier, more relaxed, because Ferrari is giving him a car that matches his preferences," Brundle said. "If he can keep that momentum, a win is still within his reach." The Italian team, meanwhile, is eager to end a victory drought that stretches back to October 2024, when Carlos Sainz last won in Mexico City. Both Leclerc and Hamilton are hungry for a win, and Brundle believes the Miami Sprint weekend could provide the perfect platform for a surprise. Miami has become a favourite venue for McLaren, who have taken victory in each of the past two editions.
However, Mercedes still enter as favourites given their flawless record since the introduction of the new 2026 regulations. Brundle cautioned, however, that it is still early days for the new rule set and that the development race is far from settled with nineteen races remaining. "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 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 the world championship this year." The weekend schedule is packed.
Thursday, April 30, features a Drivers' Press Conference at 7 pm followed by Paddock Uncut at 10 pm. Friday, May 1, includes F2 practice at 2.35 pm, Miami GP practice at 4.30 pm (the session starts at 5 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 (starting at 9.30 pm).
Saturday, May 2, sees F2 Sprint at 2.55 pm, the build‑up to the Miami Sprint at 4 pm, the Sprint itself at 5 pm, followed by Ted's Sprint Notebook at 6.30 pm, a build‑up to qualifying at 8 pm, the qualifying session at 9 pm, and Ted's Qualifying Notebook at 11 pm. Sunday, May 3, rounds out the action with 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 at 11 pm, and Ted's Notebook at midnight.
All events will also be shown on Sky Sports Main Event. For fans eager to watch, the Miami Grand Prix marks the season's second Sprint weekend and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.
The race can be streamed via NOW without a long‑term contract, offering flexibility for viewers. Brundle's optimism, combined with Hamilton's revived confidence and Ferrari's potential technical leap, sets the stage for a thrilling Miami showdown that could reshape the championship battle as the 2026 season unfolds.