F1 in Miami: That's what it looks like when an upgrade works
Formula 1 returned from a five-week break with the Miami Grand Prix, where teams debuted new upgrades amid revised hybrid power unit regulations. McLaren emerged as a top contender, showcasing effective development, while Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes also showed improvements. The race weekend highlighted a more balanced championship battle heading into the season.
- ▪The 2026 Formula 1 season resumed in Miami after an unexpected five-week hiatus.
- ▪Teams, except Aston Martin, brought upgrade packages to the Miami Grand Prix, testing their performance under new energy-regeneration rules.
- ▪McLaren has consistently translated upgrades into track performance, maintaining strong correlation between simulations and real-world results.
- ▪Regulatory changes limited the energy cars can regenerate and deploy, aiming to reduce extreme speed differentials and 'yo-yo' racing.
- ▪The Miami circuit's multiple braking zones helped cars regenerate the allowed 7 MJ of energy per lap, easing energy management concerns.
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Begun, the upgrade war has F1 in Miami: That’s what it looks like when an upgrade works 2026’s Formula 1 championship now looks far from a foregone thing. Jonathan M. Gitlin – May 4, 2026 1:47 pm | 8 Lewis Hamilton goes by in a blur. Credit: Mark Thompson/Getty Images Lewis Hamilton goes by in a blur. Credit: Mark Thompson/Getty Images Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav After an unanticipated five-week break in the season, Formula One resumed action this past weekend in Miami.
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