Formula 1 started the Miami GP weekend with good news for Ferrari. After bringing a comprehensive update package, the team received encouraging initial feedback from its drivers.
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The performance in FP1 reinforces the expectation of progress, especially in the attempt to reduce the gap to Mercedes in the constructors’ championship. Charles Leclerc led the session, while Lewis Hamilton also reported positive feelings with the updated SF-26.
Ferrari brought 11 updates to Miami and saw Leclerc set a 1:29.310, securing the best time of the session. The Monegasque was more than three tenths faster than Max Verstappen in the final minutes, when drivers used Soft tires in qualifying simulations.
Despite this, the scenario was not entirely straightforward among the competitors. Lando Norris showed competitive pace but faced traffic and nearly got involved in an incident with Alex Albon. Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli was unable to complete his fast lap due to a power unit issue.
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Team principal Fred Vasseur highlighted that the initial feedback was encouraging but avoided definitive conclusions: “The initial feeling is positive, but we need to remember that this is the first session with this type of track temperature. That influences everything. We will understand better after qualifying.”
The manager also acknowledged Mercedes’ superiority at the start of the season, after three wins and three poles. Still, he valued Ferrari’s efficiency so far: “We haven’t left points on the table, and that is fundamental. We maximized what was possible in the first three rounds, but we still have a long way to go.”
Vasseur also indicated that car development will continue intensely in the upcoming races, emphasizing that the true scenario will only become clearer after a few rounds with different packages on track.
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