‘Fast and alive’: Brundle judges new-look F1 after Miami

Formula 1’s latest regulatory adjustments found an enthusiastic supporter in Martin Brundle after a vibrant and action-packed Miami Grand Prix weekend that, in his view, showcased a sport moving firmly “in the right direction.”

After months of criticism surrounding the new-era regulations – particularly concerns over energy management, racing quality and safety – the tweaks introduced in Miami were designed to rebalance the spectacle.

And for Brundle, the early signs were overwhelmingly positive.

A noticeable shift in feel and flow

The changes focused on refining how power from the hybrid systems is deployed, aiming to smooth out inconsistencies and reduce extreme closing speeds between cars.

According to Brundle, that fine-tuning made an immediate difference on track.

“The downtime was used to fine tune the complex power delivery of the latest machines, basically to share the combined engine and battery power out more evenly around any given lap, and also reduce the potential and considerable closing speeds of cars and drivers on different power strategies,” the former Grand Prix driver wrote in his Sky Sports F1 column.

While Miami’s layout naturally lends itself to energy recovery, Brundle stressed that the improvements went beyond circuit-specific advantages.

“Miami was always going to be easier than some circuits in terms of recharging the all-important but barely adequate battery storage, however the technical rule finessing was clearly in the right direction,” he added.

“Drivers seemed much happier generally, and the cars looked fast and alive, and with a decent surplus of power over grip on corner exits. And we were spared much of the labouring of engines losing the battle to a kinetic motor busy charging the battery well before the end of the straights.

"I thoroughly enjoyed being trackside for the one and only, and specially extended, 90-minute practice session, given Miami was one of six Sprint weekends this season.”

The upbeat assessment reflects a broader sense that Formula 1 may finally be striking a better balance between cutting-edge technology and pure racing excitement.

From Sprint concerns to Sunday spectacle

Brundle’s optimism, however, wasn’t without a moment of doubt. The Sprint race initially raised questions about whether the adjustments had gone too far in smoothing out the competitive edge.

“In the 19-lap Sprint itself I was concerned we'd done too much smoothing out,” he continued.

“Other than some early skirmishes created especially after Kimi Antonelli had another poor start from pole position, it all quickly settled into a steady and reasonably dominant one-two for the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, from Charles Leclerc's Ferrari.”

Those concerns were quickly dispelled when the main Grand Prix delivered a far more dynamic and unpredictable contest.

“The main race would thankfully be a totally different story.

“We had five different leaders with many lead changes, and two key overtakes in the final two corners of the race. It was a very timely, great show with a big audience, and I have no doubt the teams will continue to converge as they finesse and further understand these regulations. Bring on Montreal.”

• Read also: Piastri sees progress after F1 rule tweaks but ‘it’s still pretty crazy’

Brundle’s reflections capture a growing sense of optimism around Formula 1’s evolving rulebook. While some drivers – including McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri – have called for further refinements, Miami offered a compelling glimpse of what the sport could become as teams and engineers continue to unlock the potential of the regulations.

For now, at least, the verdict from one of the paddock’s most experienced voices is clear: the cars are livelier, the drivers are happier, and Formula 1 is edging closer to the show it wants to deliver.

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