Antonelli targets third straight win as Miami Grand Prix returns amid wet-weather fears and driver calls for energy reduction

Key facts

• Miami hosts the fourth round of the 2026 F1 season, a Sprint weekend.
• Kimi Antonelli seeks his third consecutive victory, with George Russell and others expected to challenge.
• Max Verstappen commented on race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase leaving Red Bull for McLaren in 2028.
• Fernando Alonso has fueled speculation he may retire after this season.
• Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoletto discussed Allan McNish becoming Audi's Racing Director.
• Heavy rain, lightning and thunder are forecast for Sunday at the Miami International Autodrome.
• Carlos Sainz advocates reducing electrical energy from 350 kW to 250 or 300 kW in wet conditions.
• Last year's Miami Sprint was held in very difficult wet conditions with standing water issues.

Antonelli’s streak and the Miami showdown

Formula 1 returns to the United States this weekend for the Miami Grand Prix, the fourth round of the season, with Kimi Antonelli aiming for his third straight win. The Italian teenager, who has dominated the opening races, faces stiff competition from his Mercedes teammate George Russell and a handful of rivals eager to halt his momentum. The paddock is buzzing after a longer-than-expected break since the Japanese Grand Prix, with every team bringing upgrade packages. Mercedes is expected to be particularly quick, but whether the pecking order will shift dramatically remains to be seen. Antonelli himself is wary of the opposition, aware that the intra-team rivalry with Russell could intensify.

Verstappen, Alonso and driver market moves

Max Verstappen weighed in on the departure of his long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, who will leave Red Bull for McLaren in 2028. The Dutch driver’s comments add to a weekend already rich with off-track storylines. Fernando Alonso has stoked speculation that he may retire after this season, while Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoletto gave their take on Allan McNish becoming Audi's Racing Director. Cadillac and Haas, both American teams, will be looking for strong results on home soil. The Miami Grand Prix is a pivotal moment for the grid, with strategies shifting and the title fight beginning to take shape.

Thunderstorms threaten race day safety

While much of the weekend at the Miami International Autodrome is set for sizzling temperatures and sunshine, Sunday’s forecast is alarming. Heavy rain, lightning and thunder are expected throughout race day, a rapidly changing situation due to Florida’s unique weather patterns. The FIA has contingency plans, but Williams driver Carlos Sainz believes rule changes are necessary. Sainz has called for a reduction in electrical energy from the current 350 kW to either 250 kW or 300 kW if wet weather arrives. He argues that the full power is unnecessary and poses a safety risk, especially given the track’s flat surface that allows standing water to accumulate. Last year’s Sprint race in Miami was held in very difficult conditions, with standing water a major issue.

Sainz: ‘We need the right tools to make it safe’

Asked about the extreme driving conditions possible in the wet, Sainz said: “It is obviously, I think, at the back of everyone’s heads, what’s going to happen when it’s wet. I’ve always been a bit of an advocate for the 350 kW not being needed and I hope that we could find a way to maybe reduce it down to 250 or 300 for the race.” He highlighted the dangers of standing water on the super-flat track, with walls close to the racing line and limited visibility in modern cars. Sainz also questioned the logic of Straight Line Mode (SLM) in the wet, which only activates at the front, saying he does not understand why it exists if it does not reduce drag much. He added that drivers want to race in the wet—wet races are fun—but only with the right systems and tools in place to ensure safety. The lightning risk, he noted, is another unknown factor that could disrupt the race.

Broadcast and fan experience innovations

The Miami Grand Prix is streaming exclusively on Apple TV in the U.S., with every session live and on demand. Coverage includes English and Spanish commentary, up to 30 additional live feeds, Driver Tracker, session timing and data feeds, a mixed onboard feed that automatically switches between cameras, and a Podium feed that follows the top three drivers. Viewers can also use a fully customizable Multiview experience or one-tap preconfigured layouts for each team. Apple is rolling out new original F1 programming, in-depth coverage via Apple News, and curated playlists on Apple Music. The race weekend will also feature a presence at Apple Aventura and an IMAX live experience on Apple TV, while Tubi is launching creator-hosted live altcasts. The event marks a significant push by Apple to become the ultimate destination for F1 fans in the U.S.

What lies ahead: title fight and weather uncertainty

As the 2026 season resumes, the battle for the podium reaches a pivotal weekend in Miami. With strategies shifting across the grid, teams arrive ready to reshape the title fight and redefine the season’s trajectory. The wet weather forecast adds an unpredictable element that could upend the championship order. Drivers are expected to discuss potential rule changes in the pre-race briefing, particularly regarding energy reduction and safety protocols. The outcome of the Miami Grand Prix—whether in dry or wet conditions—will set the tone for the remainder of the season, with Antonelli’s winning streak on the line and several contenders poised to strike.

The bottom line

• Kimi Antonelli seeks his third straight win in Miami, with George Russell and others expected to challenge.
• Carlos Sainz has called for a reduction in electrical energy from 350 kW to 250 or 300 kW if wet weather hits, citing safety concerns over standing water and visibility.
• Thunderstorms are forecast for Sunday, with lightning risk adding to potential disruption.
• Max Verstappen commented on Gianpiero Lambiase’s move to McLaren in 2028, while Fernando Alonso fueled retirement speculation.
• The Miami Grand Prix is streaming exclusively on Apple TV in the U.S., with enhanced multiview and driver tracking features.
• Every team has brought upgrade packages, but whether the pecking order will change remains uncertain.