Has F1 Fixed Its Rules and Did Rivals Catch Up to Mercedes?

After a race-free April, Formula 1 returns to Miami this weekend as teams and drivers prepare to test rule changes intended to address problems that emerged under the 2026 regulations.

The sprint weekend, which includes an extended practice session, will be the first chance to see whether the revisions deliver meaningful improvements. A five-week break also means most teams are likely to bring upgrades, creating the potential for significant shifts in the competitive order. Below are the key talking points as the season resumes.

Will rule changes make a noticeable difference?

The FIA recently confirmed 11 amendments intended to address shortcomings in the 2026 rules. Several of these changes take effect this weekend, while others will be trialed before wider implementation. Some measures will only affect performance in wet conditions.

Whether these adjustments produce a clear on-track difference is unlikely to be decided in a single weekend. It may take a few events for teams to exploit the changes and for trends to become apparent.

Has F1 solved drivers’ safety fears?

The opening rounds highlighted concerns about high closing speeds between cars. The FIA has responded by limiting maximum boost available in race conditions and capping MGU-K deployment to 250kW at specified parts of the lap to reduce energy surges that contribute to dangerous speed differentials.

Only drivers can ultimately judge whether those limits are sufficient. If closing speeds remain high, the sport may need to consider not just technical fixes but also adjustments to on-track rules about defensive driving to reduce the risk of severe aerial incidents.

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Goodbye to ‘gimmicky’ passes?

Debate continues over the nature of overtaking under the new regulations. Some current and former drivers have described certain moves as “gimmicky” or artificial, while others defend the racing. Alexander Albon says drivers raised concerns about that style of racing during talks with the FIA.

There were signs across the opening races that the “yo-yo” pattern of passing was easing, possibly as teams and drivers adapted to the new power units or simply because of track differences. The sprint and grand prix in Miami should reveal whether that trend continues and whether recent rule tweaks influence how passes are made.

A slower show?

One likely outcome of the rule adjustments is reduced lap speeds. The exact impact remains uncertain, but the presence of F2 on the support card—added after cancellations elsewhere—could offer a useful comparison benchmark for lap times and racing dynamics.

Are Mercedes still on top?

Although the rules changes might not radically reshuffle the entire field, the five-week pause has given teams time for development and reflection. Mandatory factory shutdowns aside, teams used the break for targeted work, including filming days to run chassis and gather data.

McLaren and Red Bull have signalled they will bring upgrades to Miami. Mercedes arrives having locked out the front row in the opening three grands prix and taken all race wins so far, including the Shanghai sprint. McLaren showed genuine pace in Suzuka, however, so the battle at the front could intensify as upgrades are introduced.

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Home welcomes for Cadillac and Ford?

F1 already features an American team in Haas. This year, two additional U.S. marques will be prominent at the Miami round: Cadillac, which fields its own team entry, and Ford, whose involvement is visible through a partnership on Red Bull’s engine programme.

Cadillac’s start to F1 has been steady if modest, with a best finish of 13th so far. Scoring points at their home race may be optimistic this season, but their presence adds local interest. Ford’s role is less visible trackside but still significant through its technical partnership. The Miami crowd will be eager to welcome both brands on home soil.

A weaker track for Russell?

After taking the championship lead in Japan, Andrea Kimi Antonelli will look to extend his advantage in Miami. George Russell, who generally outperformed Antonelli at many circuits last year, found Miami less favourable: Antonelli claimed pole for the sprint and out-qualified Russell for the grand prix in that event.

Antonelli has enjoyed strong results—sometimes aided by luck—while Russell has had occasional struggles, particularly after Safety Car restarts. A third consecutive grand prix victory would strengthen Antonelli’s title credentials and raise the stakes in the championship fight.

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Colapinto here to stay?

Jack Doohan’s F1 career ended in Miami a year ago when he retired on the opening lap and Franco Colapinto stepped into the seat, later earning a full-season drive with Alpine. Colapinto’s popularity was on full display in Buenos Aires, where he received a massive reception from fans.

While his results do not yet match team mate Pierre Gasly’s consistently, Colapinto has shown strong pace and reliability apart from a couple of incidents, such as when he was taken out by Esteban Ocon in China. One year on from his return, Colapinto increasingly looks established in the paddock and likely to remain in the sport.

2026 Miami Grand Prix

• Miami stats: Mercedes have now won at every track on the F1 calendar – so far
• F1 drivers say they are still at the mercy of their power units over a flying lap
• McLaren’s Miami GP radio messages show the scars of Qatar GP tactical error
• ‘This is not the level F1 should be’: Norris tells F1 to ‘ditch the battery’
• Lawson was right: Racing Bulls should not have ordered him to let Verstappen past

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