We’re on the eve of the F1 weekend in Miami, and the first photos from the garages allow us to observe the setup choices of Ferrari and its competitors. So far, the championship has seen McLaren take the lead in both standings, while the battle behind them grows increasingly tight. In the last round, Mercedes struggled, while Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc matched Oscar Piastri’s pace.
In Miami, we will encounter different conditions compared to the recent events in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The asphalt temperature will be high and will play a key role in tire management. The circuit, located in the Florida city, puts particular stress on the rear tires, and the Sprint will be useful to monitor tire wear.
Ferrari’s choices
It has now become a trend to see Scuderia Ferrari take a different direction from its rivals when it comes to setup, and the same is happening in Miami. Looking at the other top teams, the choice has fallen on a medium-low downforce rear wing. This is the most predictable solution, given the nature of the track, which features several straights and slow corners where greater mechanical grip is required.
As can be seen in the comparison, Ferrari has fitted a medium-downforce rear wing, while McLaren is using a medium-low configuration. Mercedes and Red Bull have brought a similar solution to that of the Woking-based team. It’s worth remembering that setups can be modified after the Sprint, and Ferrari’s engineers will need to find the right balance and optimal aerodynamic efficiency.
In addition to the high expected temperatures, the track layout also contributes to tire wear. The fast corners in the first sector will lead to front axle wear, while the stop-and-go turns of the second and third sectors will contribute to rear tire degradation. We will almost certainly not see a race like Jeddah, where drivers can push every lap — the gaps will be more affected by tire management.
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