After an enforced break, Formula 1 is finally back, and it was Charles Leclerc who took top honours at the end of the sole free practice session ahead of the Miami Grand Prix. After a strong start to 2026, Ferrari have brought a slew of upgrades to Miami. These include a revised flaw, a new front wing design and a reworked rear wing. The objective is to increase cornering load while maintaining straight line speed.
Initial signs look promising as Leclerc had a largely trouble-free run and posted a fastest lap nearly three tenths quicker than second place Max Verstappen, while teammate Lewis Hamilton ended the session in fifth.
In contrast to Ferrari, Red Bull come to Miami in desperate need of a turnaround. The six-time constructors' champions have endured a trying start to the season with both drivers bemoaning the RB-22’s unpredictable handling. Changes have been made to the front wing, front-wheel ducts, and sidepod inlet, while a new floor has also been introduced.
Verstappen refused to make any bold assertions, insisting that being “a bit closer to the guys ahead” was the main target. Red bull have made waves in recent weeks with announcement that Verstappen’s long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase will be departing for McLaren by 2028. The four-time world champion had an off at the turn 14/15 chicane en route to P2.
His teammate, Isack Hadjar, was equally cautious and stated that fighting for the podium would be an unrealistic expectation this weekend. He ended the session in ninth.
McLaren too, have brought upgrades in the form of a new engine cover, revised front corner furniture, reworked sidepod inlet and “completely new” floor geometry. All an attempt to quell the aerodynamic deficit that has hindered them so far. Oscar Piastri made good on the new look car, to clock the third fastest time, four tenths and four places ahead of his teammate Lando Norris. The reigning world champion had a difficult session as he locked up at turn one, slid wide at turn 17 and later aborted a fast lap due to Williams’ Alex Albon.
Having taken victory in all three opening rounds, Mercedes come to Miami as the clear favourites, and there was little to separate their two championship contenders. Kimi Antonelli was one of many drivers to miss the chicane at turns 14 and 15, while George Russell complained of turbo issues. He ended the session sixth, just 0.021s behind his teammate.
Pierre Gasly also missed the chicane en route to 10th ahead of Hadjar, Carlos Sainz, Franco Colapinto, Albon and Ollie Bearman.
Audi made headlines during the break as it was announced that former Toyota Formula 1 driver and three-time Le Mans winner Allan McNish would be replacing Jonathan Wheatley as racing director. A role he will perform in tandem with his duties as head of driver development.
Gabriel Bortoleto misjudged his braking at turn 11 and ran wide, but ended the session one place ahead of his teammate, Nico Hülkenberg, in 14th.
Esteban Ocon ended the session 16th, having also suffered a wayward moment at the chicane. Liam Lawson’s best time was good enough for 17th ahead of Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso, who suffered a lockup at turn one. After a dismal start to the season, Aston Martin have spent much of the break trying to solve the AMR-26’s chronic vibration issues.
Valtteri Bottas ended the session 20th ahead of what will be his 250th grand prix start, while Arvid Lindblad suffered numerous turn one lockups and could only manage 21st. Having never contested this circuit before, this weekend is likely to be a learning experience for the rookie. Lance Stroll brought up the rear after impeding Perez and Antonelli.
With numerous upgrades now in place and the crews fully refreshed, Miami will give us a chance to examine the possible pecking order for the remainder of this season.
