Miami upgrades shake up F1 grid as Mercedes wins again

After an early-season break forced by cancellations, Formula One returned with an entertaining race at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, suggesting the season may offer a competitive narrative in which Mercedes does not dominate unchallenged.

Regulation changes dominated pre-race discussion, but the key storyline from Miami was the competitive impact of car upgrades.

Mercedes had appeared formidable with three consecutive wins before the five-week hiatus. During the break, teams worked extensively on upgrades for Miami. McLaren, Red Bull and Ferrari introduced significant packages, while Mercedes notably did not.

The results showed substantial gains remain available under the new regulations, signaling a fierce development battle ahead. McLaren and Red Bull made significant progress. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri secured a one-two finish in the sprint for McLaren, and Norris could have beaten race winner Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes but for a pit-stop decision and its execution.

McLaren surged to the front again in Miami, a track where the team has historically performed well. Team principal Andrea Stella estimated Mercedes still had a tenth to two-tenths of a second advantage, but Norris appeared competitive on track.

Red Bull also improved. After three uncompetitive races, the team introduced aerodynamic upgrades and steering adjustments. Max Verstappen found the car he had been seeking, driving with characteristic verve. He qualified second and would likely have contested for the win had he not spun on the opening lap.

Ferrari will be disappointed after failing to match the progress of rivals. Charles Leclerc appeared a genuine contender for victory early on but his pace faded, a recurring pattern this season. He cited a lack of race pace and severe tire degradation. The car has potential but has not yet matched McLaren or Red Bull.

McLaren has further upgrades planned for the next round in Canada, including a new front wing. Mercedes will introduce its first major upgrade to the W17 in Montreal. The development battle will continue throughout the season, as any progress can inform next year’s car. The engineering contest is intensifying.

The reception to regulation changes aimed at addressing driver dissatisfaction with energy management was lukewarm. The adjustments, which modified parameters for electrical energy recovery and deployment, received an underwhelming response.

The changes were welcomed but insufficient to quell driver complaints about the new formula. Norris summarized the sentiment, saying drivers were penalized for pushing the cars and the only solution was to “get rid of the battery.” Verstappen echoed that view despite having a more competitive car in Miami. “It’s still punishing you. The faster you go through corners, the slower you go on the next straight,” he said.

This was the response at a track considered “energy-rich,” where abundant heavy-braking zones allow for ample energy recovery, reducing the need for drivers to lift and coast or use super-clipping—where the battery charges at full throttle, slowing the car. At “energy-starved” circuits, driver complaints are likely to intensify.

After four races, a clear impasse has emerged. Drivers are unhappy, but F1 officials are enthusiastic about the increased overtaking resulting from the new regulations. The Miami crowd roared approval as Leclerc, Norris and Antonelli battled early in the race.

The “yo-yo” or “Mario Kart” effect divides opinion. Critics view it as artificial as the widely criticized DRS, but F1 reports positive fan feedback. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff remarked that anyone who did not find the Miami race entertaining should “hide”—but his point was clear.

This highlights the dichotomy of Formula One in 2026 after Miami. The fact remains that the sport’s top drivers still say they do not enjoy driving the cars, a concern that cannot be masked by overtaking aids.