Ferrari are expected to be one of the teams that make a substantial 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 1 to the United States after the mandatory April hiatus to a "relaunch of the season." He explained that the break gave every team extra time to develop their cars, which have undergone major revisions under the new regulations. Those upgrades could be dramatic enough to reshuffle the competitive hierarchy, offering a chance for traditionally mid‑field teams to climb higher and for the front‑runners to cement their dominance.
Mercedes, having secured victories in the first three races, enter the Miami weekend as the clear benchmark. Their drivers, championship leader Kimi Antonelli and teammate George Russell, have already demonstrated the pace needed to stay ahead of the pack. Ferrari, however, sit closest to the Silver Arrows in the standings, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton occupying third and fourth places respectively, just eight points apart.
Their recent duels in China and Japan have been thrilling, showcasing a tight battle for podium positions. When asked about Hamilton's recent form, Brundle noted that the former Mercedes driver finally broke his podium drought for Ferrari at the second round in Shanghai. Although Hamilton finished sixth at Suzuka while Leclerc claimed third, Brundle observed that the British driver appears more comfortable in the current Ferrari chassis. "Lewis clearly enjoys these cars much more," he said.
"Ferrari is more competitive now, and I think they will make a big step for Miami." Brundle added that Hamilton's driving style seems better suited to the modern aerodynamic package than to the ground‑effect cars of previous years, which he described as "brutal" and less aligned with Hamilton's preferences. The analyst highlighted Hamilton's improved mood and confidence, suggesting that the increased competitiveness of the Ferrari gives the seven‑time world champion a renewed sense of optimism.
"He's got to beat Charles Leclerc if he's going to win the world championship in the other Ferrari, and others," Brundle remarked, emphasizing the intra‑team rivalry that could define the title fight. The season's calendar continues with the second Sprint weekend in Miami, a race that McLaren has won for the past two years. Despite McLaren's recent success in the sprint format, Mercedes remain the favourites thanks to their flawless start to the new‑era regulations introduced in 2026.
Nevertheless, Brundle cautioned that it is still too early to declare a definitive order, given the rapid development pace of the cars and the 19 races still to come. "I think it's totally wide open," Brundle 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 Miami event will feature a packed schedule, beginning with a drivers' press conference on Thursday evening, followed by a series of practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and sprint races across the weekend. The F2 support series will also run alongside the main event, providing additional on‑track action for fans. Sky Sports will broadcast the entire program, with live streams available via the NOW platform, offering viewers the flexibility to watch without a long‑term contract.
In summary, Brundle's outlook suggests that while Mercedes currently hold the advantage, Ferrari's upcoming upgrades could dramatically close the performance gap. Hamilton's renewed enthusiasm in the Ferrari could translate into a serious challenge for both his teammate Leclerc and the reigning champions. With the Miami Grand Prix set to deliver both sprint and full‑race points, the championship battle remains highly fluid, and any of the leading teams have a realistic shot at claiming the title as the season unfolds.