F1 Miami GP Preview As Formula One Returns From Lengthy Break

With Formula 1 set to return from an unscheduled break, here's our F1 Miami GP preview as we prepare to go racing once more around the Miami International Autodrome.

It's been more than a month since we last saw any on-track F1 action. The ongoing situation in the Middle East has meant that the difficult decision was taken to cancel both the Saudi Arabia and Bahrain Grand Prix, causing an unexpected hiatus.

As a result, the already hotly anticipated Miami GP now carries even more significance and intrigue.

Early front-runners Mercedes will be hoping to continue their dominance, having taken wins in all three races so far this season. Nearest challengers Ferrari, meanwhile, will have been pushing hard over the break to close that gap.

Further down the grid, defending double world champions McLaren and struggling Red Bull will also expect to perform better than they have done so far.

This will be the fifth time F1 heads to Miami since the race first joined the calendar in 2022. To date, four-time World Champion Max Verstappen is the only driver to win multiple races in the Florida sun, claiming back-to-back victories in 2022 and 2023.

Last year, Oscar Piastri was on the top step of the podium with McLaren, though the chances of a repeat victory for the papaya team are slim, given their early-season lack of pace.

F1 Miami GP Preview

Looking ahead to the weekend, the Miami GP also features the second sprint race of the season, after George Russell won the Chinese sprint.

This means that more points are on offer, but the teams could struggle due to a lack of on-track running. This is because sprint weekends reduce the number of free practice sessions from three to one, in order to allow time for sprint qualifying and the sprint race on Friday and Saturday.

Teams could find this especially challenging if they have brought major upgrade packages to Miami. Despite high-tech simulators and wind tunnels, there is no substitute for real-world testing, something they have not been able to do over the break.

As for the expected winners, Mercedes continue to be the favourites. Drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell have dominated so far this season, with the German team head and shoulders above its rivals in the opening three rounds.

Ferrari duo Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have caused problems at times, but have struggled to mount a serious challenge over a full race distance.

However, recent technical regulation changes may be about to influence that.

Technical Changes Should Shake Up Miami GP Order

During the break, F1 teams met with the sport's governing body to address concerns over the new regulations.

The 2026 rules saw the biggest change in a generation. Around 50% of a car's engine power now comes from the electric motor.

But after some unforeseen consequences resulting in lacklustre qualifying laps and teams more focused on battery management than raw pace, the rules have been tweaked once more.

The full effect of these changes will not be clear until the cars take to the track on Friday. However, it is practically a certainty that some teams will benefit more than others.

On top of this, the extended break has allowed teams a full month to hone and develop upgrade packages to the chassis and aero departments.

As a result, we can expect some significant alterations to the pecking order when the lights go out in Miami.

It would be very surprising to see Mercedes knocked off their perch, given the lead they have at the moment. But the likes of McLaren, Red Bull, Williams and others will be hoping the break has given them a chance to reset and re-focus as we head into the next block of races.

Regardless of the result, this promises to be an exciting and high-action Grand Prix weekend.