Previewing the Exciting Miami Grand Prix Weekend: Can Mercedes Maintain Dominance or Will McLaren Secure Another Victory?
The highly anticipated Miami Grand Prix is set to take place this weekend, marking the fifth edition of the event. Formula One fans are eager to see if Mercedes can maintain their strong performance, or if McLaren will secure their third consecutive victory in Miami. The race will consist of a 57-lap main event on Sunday, May 3, at 4 p.m. ET, preceded by a 19-lap sprint race on Saturday, May 2, at 12 p.m. ET. The Miami International Autodrome, located around Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, will host the race on a 3.363-mile track with 19 corners and three long straights.
The Miami Grand Prix weekend will follow a sprint format, featuring one practice session, two qualifying sessions, and two races. The sprint race is a condensed version of the grand prix, offering fewer points and laps. Both races will include full three-round qualifying sessions. Viewers can catch all the F1 action, including the Miami Grand Prix, on Apple TV, where they can choose between the Sky Sports feed from the U.K. or the F1 TV feed. Live on-board cameras for all 22 drivers will be available during each session.
In the past editions of the Miami Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen claimed victory in 2022 and 2023, while McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri secured wins in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Notable podium finishers in Miami include Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Sergio Perez, Fernando Alonso, and George Russell. This year, the grid will feature 22 drivers, including the newly added American-based Cadillac F1 Team. Mercedes dominated the first three races of the 2026 season, but with a month-long break since the last race, the competition in Miami could be tighter.
As teams had time to adjust to the new regulations during the break, Ferrari and McLaren are expected to challenge Mercedes for the top spot. Drivers like Leclerc and Hamilton could be strong contenders, given their previous success in Miami. With the likelihood of the winner coming from Mercedes, Ferrari, or McLaren, fans can expect an exciting race weekend filled with intense competition and thrilling moments on the track.