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Miami F1 Grand Prix 2026 Preview & Predictions: Antonelli Set to Dominate Again?

Jeremy Darke

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Last updated: Tue 28 Apr 2026 08:13

Jeremy Darke 28 Apr 2026

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The Miami GP will start at 5:30 AM (AEST) on Monday, May 6th.
Kimi Antonelli favored to win Miami GP as Mercedes leads.
Major team upgrades could shift the competitive landscape.
Qualifying crucial due to limited overtaking opportunities.

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F1 Miami Grand Prix 2026 Preview & Predictions(Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)

Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix Preview & Predictions

Kimi Antonelli will take pole and convert it into another win in Miami, as Mercedes continue their early-season dominance.

Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix Preview & Predictions
Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix Qualifying Tips
Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix Race Tips

After a long April break, Formula 1 returns with a reset — and Miami arrives as a turning point. Teams have had weeks to analyse the opening rounds, and now the first major upgrades of the new regulation era hit the track. Expect significantly different cars, sharper performance gaps and a reshuffled pecking order.

The FIA has also stepped in with key power unit tweaks, reducing energy harvesting limits and adjusting deployment to prevent the battery drop-offs seen earlier in the season. That should create more consistent racing, particularly at a circuit like Miami that already suits energy management.

Strategy looks straightforward. Pirelli bring the softest compounds again, and last year’s race was a clean one-stop with minimal degradation. Overtaking remains difficult, placing even more emphasis on qualifying and track position.

Mercedes still lead the field, but with Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull all introducing major upgrades, Miami shapes as the first true test of who has nailed the new era.

Key Weekend Insights

Sprint weekend format limits teams to one practice session
Energy management easier than Melbourne (more braking zones)
2025 race featured just 21 overtakes — track position crucial
Likely one-stop race strategy with low tyre degradation

Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix Qualifying Tips

Qualifying is everything in Miami. With limited overtaking and a sprint format reducing preparation time, drivers must deliver immediately or risk being stuck in traffic all weekend.

Kimi Antonelli is emerging as the benchmark over one lap, building confidence every race and already showing dominant pace in clean air. Mercedes’ ability to extract performance early in sessions gives him a clear edge.

George Russell remains close behind, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc should again be a major factor thanks to strong single-lap pace. Oscar Piastri also looms as a threat if McLaren’s upgrades deliver.

Red Bull are the wildcard. Their new aero package could bring them back into contention, but until it proves itself, they remain a step behind.

Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix Race Tips

The Miami race will be controlled from the front. With strategy unlikely to vary much, execution and clean air will decide the outcome.

Antonelli is the standout pick. Mercedes have the best overall package, and if he leads into Turn 1, controlling the race becomes straightforward. Russell should again be in the mix, making it likely Mercedes lock out the top two.

Ferrari remain the closest challengers, particularly if their cornering advantage translates across race stints. McLaren’s improving form also puts them in podium contention, with Piastri looking the stronger of their two drivers right now.

Red Bull’s upgrades may bring them back into the fight, but expecting a win immediately feels optimistic.

Verdict

Miami F1 Grand Prix 2026

Antonelli wins again, Mercedes one-two, Ferrari best of the rest.

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