Formula 1 team principals expect the Miami Grand Prix to mark the start of a new championship phase, with major car upgrades from frontrunners. The race on the first weekend of May follows cancellations of April events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to the US-Israel war on Iran. Leaders from Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren and Red Bull highlighted the intense development push ahead of the Florida showdown.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur described the upcoming Miami Grand Prix as the beginning of a 'new championship'. Speaking to Sky Italy after the Japanese Grand Prix, Vasseur said teams would 'push like crazy' to introduce significant upgrades, having held back after Australia and with extra time due to the cancelled Middle East races. 'Everyone will bring updates to Miami,' he noted, emphasising the need to stay close to Mercedes in the standings. Ferrari plans a major package, building on early innovations like its rotating rear wing tested in Japan. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff agreed, calling Miami a 'restart'. In comments to Motorsport.com at Suzuka, Wolff described the prospect as exciting, noting drivers are learning to optimise the new 2026 systems. He acknowledged Mercedes' early leads but warned rivals would close gaps with upgrades. McLaren, the reigning champions, has long planned Miami upgrades, recalling its 2023 turnaround there. Team principal Andrea Stella, speaking in China, expects significant improvements but anticipates all teams advancing. Red Bull, struggling with its RB22's handling issues exposed in Japan, sees hope in the break. Team boss Laurent Mekies expressed confidence in data analysis leading to steps forward at Miami, though he cautioned against expecting miracles.
