BRIEFING F1: MIAMI GP

The Miami Grand Prix marks the end of the first phase of the season spent outside Europe. From Imola onward, the calendar shifts to more traditional circuits — the stretch of the season where, as many say, the real championship begins.

Miami presents yet another unusual challenge: a purpose-built street circuit designed more for entertainment than pure racing, where the off-track spectacle often overshadows the on-track action. Adding to the complexity, a Sprint Race will be featured this weekend, forcing teams and drivers to work with even greater precision and flexibility.

The track itself has a dual personality: the first sector is faster and more flowing, while the second is tighter and more technical, demanding traction and strong mechanical grip. These two sections are connected by long straights that reward top speed and aerodynamic efficiency. It will take a well-balanced setup to extract performance across the full lap.

In this context, McLaren appears to be the front-runner. The Woking-based team has already shown strong form in Miami, thanks to a car that excels in slower corners. It might lose a bit in the faster sections, but overall balance should still give it the edge. The driver dynamic, however, is shifting: Norris seems to be struggling for form, while Piastri is emerging as a serious title contender.

For Ferrari, it’s likely to be a weekend of damage limitation. The SF-25’s characteristics don’t quite align with what Miami demands, so the team will need to maximize strengths and cover weaknesses wherever possible. The Sprint Race could offer a chance, especially if a lighter, more agile car can repeat what happened in China — where Hamilton delivered his best performance since joining the Scuderia.

Lewis is still adapting, while Leclerc seems to have found consistency and confidence, particularly in qualifying, where he continues to shine.

Red Bull remains firmly anchored to Verstappen, who is still the team’s most important asset. Mercedes, on the other hand, must avoid missteps — like the tire issues seen in Saudi Arabia — to stay competitive.

Among the midfield teams, Williams has already shifted focus to the 2026 regulations, halting development on this year’s car. It’s a long-term play, one that makes sense given the current landscape. Haas and Racing Bulls could surprise, while expectations are low for Aston Martin and Sauber, who are also looking ahead to future seasons.

Pirelli will bring the C3, C4, and C5 compounds — the same as in Jeddah — and with high temperatures expected, tire degradation will be a critical factor. As with any street circuit, mistakes come at a premium, and drivers who thrive in this environment — especially Leclerc and Verstappen — will need to push the limits to counter McLaren’s rising competitiveness.

The Miami Grand Prix could prove to be a turning point — not only for McLaren’s season but also for Norris, who needs to make a strong statement. The opportunity is real, for both driver and team, but eventually, McLaren will have to decide who their true title contender is.

© Simone Marchetti Cavalieri

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