Mercedes surprised the paddock by topping the long-run pace during extended practice at the Miami Grand Prix, edging Ferrari and McLaren with a best average lap of 1:32.8 minutes on full fuel loads, hinting at a thrilling Sprint weekend.
Mercedes surprised the paddock by topping the long-run pace during extended practice at the Miami Grand Prix, edging Ferrari and McLaren with a best average lap of 1:32.8 minutes on full fuel loads, hinting at a thrilling Sprint weekend.
How did Mercedes dominate the long runs?
Mercedes achieved the best average lap time over long runs, leading by a slim margin over Ferrari and McLaren. The performance stems from significant improvements in tire management and the W15’s dynamic balance, giving it a clear race-pace advantage.
Performance breakdown
- Mercedes: Average lap 1:32.8 minutes, with excellent tire consistency.
- Ferrari: 0.2 seconds behind, but suffered faster rear tire degradation.
- McLaren: Very close, but lacks top speed on straights.
Can Red Bull catch up?
Red Bull, dominant in previous races, finished fourth in long-run simulations. The team struggles to find the perfect balance between cornering speed and stability over bumps, affecting lap times. However, Red Bull’s ability to improve between practice and the race is well known, especially with Max Verstappen behind the wheel.
What does this mean for the Sprint and main race?
With a Sprint race on Saturday and the main event on Sunday, the long-run data provides a strong indicator of competitive order. The battle for the podium is expected to be fierce between Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren, while Red Bull may adopt an aggressive strategy to recover.
Key factors
- Heat: High Miami temperatures increase tire degradation, potentially favoring Mercedes.
- Energy management: With an effective DRS system, faster straight-line cars like McLaren can gain ground.
How are Miami’s practice sessions different from normal?
Typically, the only free practice session on Sprint weekends is limited to 60 minutes, but in Miami it was extended to 90 minutes at the teams’ request to evaluate 2026 tires. This allowed teams to conduct almost full race simulations, making the data more reliable.
When do the race events start?
The Sprint race takes place on Saturday, followed by the main race on Sunday. Fans can watch live on channels such as beIN Sports in the Middle East.
Conclusion
Miami’s long runs suggest Mercedes could be the new contender at the front, but Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull won’t give up easily. Everything is set for an exciting race that could reshape the championship order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Miami's practice sessions longer than usual?
The free practice session was extended to 90 minutes instead of 60 as a test for 2026 regulations, allowing teams to gather more accurate data on car performance with full fuel loads.
Can Red Bull still win the race despite their long-run struggles?
Yes, Red Bull is known for improving between sessions, especially with Max Verstappen. However, the gap to Mercedes is small, and they may need an aggressive strategy.
Which channels broadcast the Miami GP?
The race can be watched on beIN Sports in the Middle East, as well as streaming services like F1 TV.
Sources
- Motorsport.com — The Miami GP long runs: Mercedes leads, challengers on the rise
