“Everyone will bring new upgrades to Miami,” said Frederic Vasseur ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, which resumes the 2026 Formula 1 season after a five-week break.
As of early Tuesday, Mercedes leads both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships with three wins from the opening three races. Kimi Antonelli holds the top spot in the Drivers’ Championship with 72 points, followed closely by George Russell at 63 points.
The Miami Grand Prix is not just another race; it is the season’s fourth event and its second Sprint weekend. Teams have utilized the break to enhance their cars significantly, potentially altering the competitive landscape.
In light of new F1 regulations, the first practice session will be extended from 60 to 90 minutes. This change aims to give teams more time to test their upgrades effectively.
However, Jack Doohan’s future at Alpine has taken a turn—his participation in the Miami Grand Prix will mark his last for the team. He was replaced by Franco Colapinto shortly after.
The previous year’s Miami Grand Prix faced challenges due to heavy rain, which led to the cancellation of the F1 Academy race. This year, teams are eager to showcase their improvements at the Miami International Autodrome.
Toto Wolff expressed optimism about this race: “Miami is going to be for me also a restart.” The atmosphere is charged as teams prepare for what could be a pivotal moment in their seasons.
With significant car upgrades on display, spectators and teams alike are keenly anticipating how these changes will impact performance on track.