The Formula 1 paddock comes back to life in Florida as the first free practice session of the Miami Grand Prix gets underway, marking the long-awaited return of on-track action after a one-month break. The interruption, caused by the cancellation of two scheduled Middle Eastern rounds, has only increased anticipation, with teams arriving in Miami carrying substantial upgrade packages aimed at reshaping the competitive order early in the 2026 season.
FP1 represents the first opportunity to assess how these developments perform under real conditions, and attention is already firmly focused on Ferrari. The Maranello-based team has introduced a heavily revised aerodynamic package, headlined by the much-discussed “Macarena” front wing, designed to improve airflow management and boost overall aerodynamic efficiency. This upgrade is considered a key step in Ferrari’s attempt to reduce the performance gap to Mercedes, which has established itself as the benchmark in the opening races.
Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have indicated in recent days that the updated SF-26 represents a significant evolution compared to earlier iterations seen this season. While remaining cautiously realistic about the challenge ahead, both drivers have suggested that the development direction taken by Ferrari could unlock additional performance, particularly in high-speed sections where aerodynamic efficiency is crucial.
However, Ferrari is far from alone in bringing updates to Miami. The Florida round has effectively become a major development milestone across the grid, with multiple teams introducing revised components. McLaren, under the leadership of team principal Andrea Stella, is expected to make another step forward, with Stella hinting that the car could display a noticeably different performance profile compared to previous races.
Mercedes, meanwhile, arrives in Miami as the team to beat. With George Russell and Kimi Antonelli at the wheel, the German outfit continues to set the pace, and there is little indication that its development rate will slow. Both drivers are equipped with updated race gear for the weekend, symbolizing a team that remains fully focused on maintaining its competitive edge in the championship battle.
The first free practice session of the Miami Grand Prix is scheduled to begin at 18:00 CET, with live coverage starting just minutes before the green light. This extended session—lasting 90 minutes instead of the usual 60—has been specifically designed to allow teams to gather additional data in response to the latest regulatory adjustments, particularly those related to energy management systems and overall car behavior.
Miami GP weather forecast: heat, humidity and a looming storm threat
Weather conditions are set to play a crucial role throughout the Miami Grand Prix weekend. Friday’s sessions are expected to run smoothly under hot and stable conditions, with ambient temperatures climbing to around 33°C. The high track temperatures will pose a significant challenge for tyre management and could influence early setup decisions, especially as teams evaluate their new aerodynamic packages.
Saturday is forecast to follow a similar pattern, with sunshine and consistently high temperatures dominating the day. These conditions should provide teams with a clear reference point for performance comparisons, particularly during Sprint Qualifying and the Sprint race.
However, attention is increasingly turning to Sunday, where the weather outlook becomes far more uncertain. Thunderstorms are currently forecast in the Miami area, raising concerns about heavy rain, reduced visibility, and potential race interruptions. Local regulations regarding lightning activity could even force a temporary suspension of track action if conditions become unsafe.
Officials and teams are closely monitoring the evolving situation, as the risk of severe weather introduces an unpredictable variable into the race weekend. While it remains too early to determine the exact impact, there is a genuine possibility that the Miami Grand Prix could face significant disruption, adding another layer of complexity to an already crucial event in the 2026 Formula 1 season.
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