Ferrari are expected to be one of the squads that make a substantial performance jump at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, according to veteran commentator Martin Brundle of Sky Sports F1. The Italian team is aiming to narrow the gap to the dominant Mercedes outfit as the 2026 season continues to unfold in what Brundle describes as a "wide open" championship battle at the front of the grid. Brundle likens the return of Formula One to the United States after the mandatory April hiatus to a "relaunch of the season".
The break gave every team an extended window to refine their machines, which have undergone dramatic alterations under the new regulations. He believes the extra development time could produce cars that are not only markedly different but also considerably faster, potentially reshuffling the established hierarchy. Mercedes, having secured victories in the first three rounds, still sit firmly at the top of the pecking order. Their drivers, championship leader Kimi Antonelli and teammate George Russell, have been the benchmark for the rest of the field.
However, Ferrari and their two-star driver lineup are the closest challengers, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton currently occupying third and fourth places in the drivers' standings, just eight points apart. Their recent duels in China and Japan have been thrilling, showcasing the fine margins that separate the top teams. When asked about Hamilton's recent form, Brundle highlighted the British driver's renewed enthusiasm for the sport.
After breaking his podium drought at the second round in Shanghai, Hamilton endured a tougher weekend at Suzuka, finishing sixth while Leclerc took third. Brundle told Sky Sports News that Hamilton appears to relish the Ferrari more than his previous cars, noting, "Lewis clearly enjoys these cars much more. Ferrari is more competitive and I think again will make a big step for Miami." He added that Hamilton's driving style seems better suited to the current generation of cars, which rely less on the aggressive ground‑effect aerodynamics that characterized earlier eras. "Lewis obviously 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 things, it didn't seem to suit his style," Brundle explained.
The commentator observed that Hamilton's mood has noticeably improved, attributing it to Ferrari's enhanced competitiveness. "He just seems a lot happier because Ferrari is more competitive," Brundle said. Brundle also emphasized the stakes for Hamilton: he must out‑perform his teammate Charles Leclerc if he hopes to clinch the world title. "He's got to beat Charles Leclerc if he's going to win the world championship in the other Ferrari, and others.
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," Brundle asserted. Both drivers have experienced recent success.
Leclerc secured his first win of the 2024 campaign for Ferrari, while Hamilton's last podium came while he was still with Mercedes. Ferrari, however, have endured a winless spell since October 2023, when Carlos Sainz triumphed in Mexico City. The Miami event, which also marks the second Sprint weekend of the year, will be a crucial test of whether the Italian marque can break that drought. Historically, McLaren have dominated the Miami Sprint races over the past two seasons, yet Mercedes remain the favourites on paper thanks to their flawless start to the new regulatory era in 2026.
Brundle cautioned, however, that it is still early days for the new cars, and the ultimate hierarchy may not solidify until later in the season, with 19 races still to run. "I think it's totally wide open," he said.
"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 upcoming weekend's schedule is packed with action. On Thursday, April 30, the drivers' press conference will kick off at 7 pm, followed by the paddock uncut at 10 pm. Friday, May 1, will feature F2 practice at 2.35 pm, the first Miami GP practice session at 4.30 pm, F2 qualifying at 7.25 pm, a team bosses' press conference at 8.10 pm, and the Sprint qualifying session at 8.40 pm (which starts at 9.30 pm). Saturday, May 2, includes the F2 sprint at 2.55 pm, the build‑up to the Miami GP Sprint at 4 pm, the sprint itself at 5 pm, and a series of analysis shows and qualifying build‑up leading into the main qualifying session at 9 pm.
Finally, Sunday, May 3, will host the F2 feature race at 5.25 pm, the Grand Prix build‑up at 7 pm, the Miami Grand Prix start at 9 pm, followed by post‑race reaction and analysis throughout the evening. All of these events will be streamed live on Sky Sports F1, with the option to watch via the NOW platform without a long‑term contract.
Viewers are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for the best video experience. The Miami Grand Prix promises to be a pivotal moment in a season that, according to Brundle, remains anything but decided, offering plenty of opportunities for surprise victories, strategic masterstrokes, and perhaps a decisive step forward for Ferrari.