Kimi Antonelli's victory in Miami marked a continuation of Mercedes' unbeaten streak in the 2026 Formula 1 season, as they claimed their fourth Grand Prix win. However, the weekend revealed a more competitive landscape, with McLaren taking pole and winning the Sprint, and Red Bull and Ferrari showing promising speed.

With teams returning from a five-week break, expectations ran high for a reshuffle in the early-season pecking order. The FIA confirmed 64 new parts across the grid, with Ferrari leading with 11 upgrades, while McLaren and Red Bull each introduced seven. In contrast, Mercedes only brought two updates, focusing on a more significant upgrade for the upcoming race in Canada.

• Sprint Qualifying Highlights:
  • Lando Norris claimed pole, marking the first non-Mercedes pole of 2026.
  • Antonelli finished fourth in the Sprint but rebounded to secure the Grand Prix victory.

Andrea Stella, McLaren's team principal, noted that the upgrades had closed the gap to Mercedes, stating, "We have seen McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull closing the gap."

Ferrari faced challenges with consistency, failing to finish in the top three for the first time this season. Frederic Vasseur acknowledged their strong pace in clean air but noted difficulties in traffic.

Meanwhile, Red Bull made significant strides forward but still seeks their first podium of the year. Laurent Mekies expressed optimism regarding their chassis and aerodynamics improvements.

Looking ahead, the Canadian Grand Prix promises further developments, with McLaren aiming to build on their momentum. Mercedes, while maintaining a slight edge, must address their performance issues to fend off the advancing competition. The upcoming races promise an exciting development battle among the top teams.