Ferrari are expected to be one of the squads that make a substantial performance jump at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, with the Italian team aiming to narrow the gap to Mercedes in what promises to remain a highly unpredictable 2026 season, according to Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle. 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 has given every team a rare opportunity to work on dramatically altered machinery and, ideally, to arrive in Miami with cars that are noticeably faster and more refined. Such a development window could reshuffle the competitive hierarchy, especially under the new 2026 regulations that have already produced a wide array of design philosophies. Mercedes, having swept the first three races of the year, still sit at the top of the pecking order.
Their drivers, championship leader Kimi Antonelli and teammate George Russell, have demonstrated a level of consistency that makes them the team to beat for the foreseeable future. However, Ferrari and its driver lineup are the closest challengers. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton sit just eight points behind Mercedes in the drivers' standings, occupying third and fourth places respectively after a series of thrilling duels in China and Japan. Brundle highlighted Hamilton’s recent resurgence, noting that the British driver finally broke his Grand Prix podium drought for Ferrari at the second round in Shanghai.
Although he slipped to sixth place at Suzuka while Leclerc claimed third, Brundle believes that Hamilton is now more comfortable and motivated in a car that suits his driving style better than the ground‑effect machines of previous years. "Lewis clearly enjoys these cars much more," Brundle told Sky Sports News. "Ferrari is more competitive and I think again will make a big step for Miami." He added that Hamilton’s temperament appears brighter: "He just seems a lot happier because Ferrari is more competitive. He’s got to beat Charles Leclerc if he’s going to win the world championship, 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." This optimism is tempered by the reality that Ferrari have not won a race since Carlos Sainz’s triumph in Mexico City back in October 2024, and Leclerc’s last victory also came earlier in the season. The team’s recent winless streak adds pressure to deliver a performance boost in Miami.
The Miami weekend will be the season’s second Sprint event, a format that has already produced exciting outcomes. McLaren have claimed victory in both of the previous Sprint races, but Mercedes remain the favorites given their flawless start to the new‑era regulations. Nonetheless, Brundle cautioned against drawing premature conclusions.
With 19 races still to run, the development curve for each car is steep, and the performance gap can shift dramatically after each upgrade package. "I think it’s totally wide open," Brundle 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 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." Beyond the on‑track action, the weekend schedule is packed with supporting events. The F2 series will hold practice, qualifying, sprint and feature races throughout the weekend, providing a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills.
The official Sky Sports timetable includes press conferences, team boss briefings, and a series of analysis shows such as "Ted’s Sprint Notebook" and "Ted’s Qualifying Notebook," which break down the technical and strategic nuances of each session. For fans, the Miami Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available via NOW for those who prefer to watch on digital platforms. The event also offers a chance to engage with Sky Sports on WhatsApp for real‑time updates, videos, and expert analysis. In summary, the Miami Grand Prix represents a pivotal moment in the 2026 Formula 1 calendar.
Ferrari are poised to make a significant leap forward, potentially narrowing the gap to the dominant Mercedes. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton appears rejuvenated in a car that aligns with his driving preferences, and his hunger to challenge Charles Leclerc for the championship remains evident. With the Sprint format adding an extra layer of strategy and the season still very much in flux, the Miami weekend could very well set the tone for the battles that will define the remainder of the year.