Fórmula 1’s Campeonato Mundial resumes the 2026 season this weekend. Grande Prêmio of Miami opens the second Sprint format event of the year. Scuderia Ferrari HP arrives at Flórida after cancellations of Bahrein and Arábia Saudita.
Equipes prepare technical updates after hiatus. The single free training session gains an extra 30 minutes for adaptation.
Ferrari seeks gain from aerodynamic upgrades in Miami
Scuderia Ferrari HP has been working on Maranello for the past few weeks. The team analyzed data from the first races to prepare the improvement package. Fred Vasseur, team director, highlighted the importance of taking advantage of extended training.
Muitas teams bring new parts. The focus is on aerodynamic efficiency and adaptation to the updated regulations. Ferrari plans to introduce modifications that affect a large part of the SF-26.
- Novo floor for more downforce
- Revised front Asa
- Ajustes on chassis and rear area
- Otimização weight and halo
The team hopes to close the gap to leaders like Mercedes. The package represents a significant step in the development of the season.
Pista of 5,412 km requires precise adjustment of the cars
The Autódromo Internacional of Miami is 5,412 kilometers long and has 19 curves. Long Retas and strong braking points complicate the setup. The evolution of the track and the heat of the Flórida influence the behavior of the cars.
The Pirelli provided the softest compounds. C3 is hard, C4 is medium and C5 is soft. The smooth surface makes degradation mainly thermal. Gerenciamento tires become a decisive factor in the Sprint sessions and in the main race.
Mudanças in power unit regulations come into force
From Miami onwards, adjustments to electrical energy management affect classification and starting. The total amount of energy available quali decreases. Recarga automatic increases on the straights.
The quick turnaround procedure simplifies. The hybrid system gains flexibility. At the start, the MGU-K can operate at low speeds to reduce risks. Ultrapassagens blind corners are also safer with power limitations.
Carlo Bussi, responsible for power unit performance, explained the changes. Ele cited the section between turns 7 and 17 as critical. Long Retas drains the battery. Slow Sequências require efficient reloading. Altas temperatures and humidity increase cooling demand.
Weekend Programação Sprint Sets Early Pace
The action starts on Friday, May 1st. The single free training session lasts 90 minutes starting at 12pm local time. Sprint classification takes place at 4:30 pm.
On Saturday, the Sprint race takes place at 12pm. Qualification for Grande Prêmio is scheduled for 4pm. The main race, of 57 laps, starts on Sunday at 4pm local time and totals 308.326 kilometers.
Ferrari’s recent Histórico on Miami shows competitiveness
Ferrari competed in four editions of the Miami GP. The debut was in 2022, with Charles Leclerc in second and Carlos Sainz in third. The team has three podiums at the venue, but is still looking for its first victory.
Overall, Scuderia has accumulated 248 F1 victories, 254 pole positions and 839 podiums. The team has participated since 1950 and is in its 77th season.
Fatos over Miami reinforces the importance of the event in the USA
The circuit is located in an area with a strong Latin presence. Setenta percent of the local population is of Hispanic or Latino origin. The city attracts millions of tourists and generates billions in the economy.
Fãs from Fórmula 1 to Estados Unidos grew. In 2025, the number reached 52 million, an increase of 11% compared to the previous year. The American market gains weight on the calendar.