Vasseur Urges Ferrari Focus for Miami 2026

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Fred Vasseur of Scuderia Ferrari has stressed the importance of maintaining focus as Formula 1 returns at the Miami Grand Prix following an extended mid-season break.

Ferrari utilised the five-week hiatus to conduct an intensive analysis programme at Maranello, reviewing data from the opening rounds in Australia, China, and Japan. The objective was to identify marginal gains that could help close the performance gap to Mercedes-AMG F1, which has dominated the early phase of the season with three consecutive grand prix victories.

Driver performance has shown encouraging signs, with Charles Leclerc securing three successive podium finishes to hold third place in the championship standings. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton achieved his first podium result with Ferrari, indicating continued adaptation to the SF-26 package.

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"We are very pleased to finally be back on track after such a long break, which is unusual in the middle of the season," Vasseur said.

"Over the past few weeks, we have been working hard in Maranello, studying all the data from the first few races in order to prepare as well as possible for this round."

Ferrari arrives in Miami with a set of aerodynamic updates aimed at improving overall efficiency and extracting greater performance from the car. These developments are part of a continuous upgrade strategy in the early stages of the regulation cycle, where performance gains remain relatively accessible.

However, Vasseur acknowledged that rival teams are expected to introduce similar updates, meaning that competitive advantage will depend not only on technical improvements but also on execution during the race weekend. The sprint format further amplifies this challenge by limiting track time for optimisation.

"We have some aero updates here in Miami, but of course the other teams will be doing the same. It will therefore be important to stay focused, keep our heads down, and make the most of the only free practice session," he explained.

Adjustments introduced by the FIA following the Japanese Grand Prix have also influenced the structure of the weekend, including the extension of the first practice session to 90 minutes. This provides teams with additional time to evaluate set-up changes and adapt to regulatory refinements.

With the competitive field expected to tighten and development pace increasing, the Miami Grand Prix will serve as a key benchmark for Ferrari’s progress. Maintaining operational discipline and maximising available opportunities will be critical as the 2026 Formula 1 season moves into its next phase.