Brundle sees ‘big step forward’ for Ferrari and Hamilton in Miami

This weekend’s Miami Grand Prix is shaping up as more than just another stop on the Formula 1 calendar – it could be the moment Ferrari finally ignite their campaign and hand Lewis Hamilton the tools he needs to truly fight at the front again.

After a bruising debut season in red, where adaptation struggles and a shocking absence of podiums defined his year, Hamilton has begun to rediscover his rhythm in 2026. A breakthrough top-three finish in China and a closer pace to teammate Charles Leclerc have hinted that the tide may be turning.

Now, with a major upgrade package arriving in Florida, anticipation is building – and few are watching more closely than Sky F1’s Martin Brundle.

A car that finally fits

For Brundle, the signs are already pointing in the right direction – not just in lap times, but in Hamilton himself.

“Lewis clearly enjoys these cars much more,” he said. “Ferrari is more competitive, and I think will make a big step for Miami.

“Lewis obviously prefers this type of car to the seasons we had with the ground effect cars that were smashing against the ground and quite brutal things. It didn’t seem to suit his style.

“But his mood and just the way he’s going about it, he just seems a lot happier because Ferrari is more competitive.”

That shift in comfort could be decisive. Hamilton has long thrived when he feels connected to his machinery – and if Ferrari’s upgrades deliver the promised leap, Miami could become the launchpad for something much bigger.

The battle within

But before Hamilton can dream of race wins – or even a title charge – there’s a crucial obstacle sitting in the other side of the garage.

Leclerc remains the benchmark inside Ferrari, and Brundle is clear: beating him is step one.

“He’s got to beat Charles Leclerc if he’s going to win the world championship in the other Ferrari, and others,” insisted Brundle.

“Let’s see if he can sustain that. If there’s a sniff of a victory, I think Lewis is still very much capable of taking that.”

It’s a straightforward equation with high stakes. Outperform Leclerc, and Hamilton unlocks the full potential of Ferrari’s resurgence. Fall short, and the opportunity may slip away – even with a stronger car beneath him.

A season ready to shift

Zoom out, and the intrigue only deepens. The 2026 season is delicately poised, with multiple teams circling and development gains waiting to reshuffle the order at any moment.

Brundle believes Miami could be a key turning point in that unfolding battle.

“I think it’s totally wide open,” he added. “We have got a sprint weekend in Miami, so there are sprint points to be won, Grand Prix points to be won.

“This is going to ebb and flow. I see teams leapfrogging others with some upgrades because there is so much upside potential with these cars.

“Anybody I would say in the top four teams, any of those eight drivers, could win this year’s world championship.”

• Read also: Brundle views Williams’ 2026 ‘very concerning’ as problems mount

That unpredictability is exactly what makes this weekend so compelling. With limited practice, high-pressure sessions, and fresh upgrades in play, the margins will be razor-thin – and the rewards enormous.

For Hamilton, the path is clear. If Ferrari take that “big step forward” and he can edge ahead of Leclerc, Miami might not just be another race – it could be the moment his second act in red truly begins.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook