As the 2026 Formula 1 season resumes after a five-week break, attention turns to the Miami Grand Prix and how recent developments could reshape the championship battle.
Regulations remain centre-stage
The 2026 regulations increased electric power to 50%, part of F1’s sustainability drive. Early-season running exposed challenges, and the enforced break — caused by cancelled Middle East races — gave the FIA time to assess and introduce tweaks. Changes in Miami focus on energy deployment to help drivers attack qualifying laps more naturally and to reduce extreme closing speeds between cars at certain points in races.
Drivers and teams will be watching closely to see how the adjustments feel on track, particularly Max Verstappen, who has been vocal about aspects of the new rules. Separately, the FIA is expected to confirm which of the five power-unit manufacturers may be allowed upgrade opportunities, a decision with political overtones. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has questioned how much scope rivals like Ferrari should be given to catch up, while Red Bull figures have downplayed suggestions they currently possess the best engine.
Could the pecking order change dramatically?
Before the pause, Mercedes dominated the opening three rounds — Australia, China and Japan — taking all three wins plus the first Sprint in Shanghai. Ferrari were closest early on, and McLaren showed strong progress in Japan, suggesting they are beginning to understand the new regulations.
The break means many teams will bring extensive upgrades to Miami; the FIA’s upgrade list is expected to be unusually long. A wholesale reshuffle of the order is unlikely, but meaningful movement is possible. Ferrari or McLaren could close the gap to Mercedes if their developments land well — and conversely Mercedes could extend their advantage if their updates are effective. As Martin Brundle put it, the weekend will feel like a relaunch of the season with teams arriving with dramatically changed cars.
Russell to respond?
George Russell’s situation adds an intriguing subplot. Although Mercedes’ start was broadly expected, Russell sits behind teenage teammate Kimi Antonelli in the drivers’ standings after three rounds, a surprising twist. Both drivers had to wait five weeks to race again: Antonelli lost momentum after wins in China and Japan, while Russell has had time to ponder not leading the championship.
Miami offers Russell extra chances to claw back points, particularly because it is a Sprint weekend. Antonelli has already shown strong form in Miami: in his debut season he took Sprint pole and outqualified Russell in the full session. The internal Mercedes dynamic — a potential tussle between established leader and rising teammate — will be a storyline to follow, and Toto Wolff will be managing expectations about intra-team battles.
Which Hamilton will show up?
Lewis Hamilton began 2026 looking revitalised, finishing on the podium for Ferrari in China and engaging in competitive intra-team battles with Charles Leclerc. He seemed comfortable with the new cars early on, notably coming out ahead of Leclerc in Shanghai.
However, Hamilton regressed in Japan, appearing similar to the driver who struggled late in 2025 and falling well off Leclerc’s pace through that weekend. Miami historically hasn’t brought Hamilton much success; through the first four Miami Grands Prix he never finished better than sixth, and his qualifying and race form in Florida has been modest. Leclerc, by contrast, has a Miami pole and two podiums, making this circuit a stern test of Hamilton’s hopes to challenge for a record eighth title.
What to expect in Miami
The FIA tweaks to energy deployment and the imminent confirmation of power-unit upgrade allowances make Miami a key weekend for assessing the season’s trajectory. Expect a raft of upgrades from teams and potentially notable shifts in competitiveness — but also continuity: Mercedes should still be contenders, while Ferrari and McLaren could either close in or lose ground depending on how their updates perform.
Driver storylines include Russell aiming to respond to Antonelli’s early lead, Antonelli attempting to build on his strong start, and Hamilton needing to recapture the momentum he showed in the opening rounds to become a sustained title threat.
Formula 1 resumes May 1-3 with the Miami Grand Prix, the season’s second Sprint weekend.