PADDOCK INSIDER: Can Ferrari and McLaren challenge Mercedes in Miami?

After five weeks without racing, it remains to be seen whether Mercedes' rivals in Ferrari and McLaren have found the performance they need to close the gap to the Silver Arrows in Miami.

Apr 30, 2026 11:22pm UTC

F1 Correspondent & PresenterLawrence Barretto

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As the Formula 1 fraternity descended on the Miami International Autodrome, one of the big questions centred around whether anyone can take the fight to pace-setters Mercedes…

Mercedes have been stunning so far in 2026, winning all three Grands Prix to lead the Teams' Championship by 45 points, while sophomore Kimi Antonelli leads the way in the Drivers' Championship, nine points ahead of his more experienced team mate George Russell.

But with the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix not taking place in April, teams had an unexpected five-week gap between races to analyse their machines and find ways of adding performance through an upgrade package – and that means the pecking order could be tweaked, though it is also likely that while Mercedes' rivals are working hard to catch them, the Silver Arrows won't have stood still.