Lewis Hamilton has admitted his expectations for a strong Sprint Qualifying result at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix 2026 were not met, after Ferrari experienced a drop in performance during the decisive SQ3 phase despite introducing a major upgrade package.
Ferrari arrived in Miami with the largest set of updates across the field, bringing 11 upgrades aimed at improving overall competitiveness. Early indications were positive, with Charles Leclerc setting the pace in the sole practice session, while Hamilton also demonstrated competitive speed.
The momentum carried into SQ2, where Leclerc again topped the timing sheets and Hamilton secured third place in the segment. However, both drivers were unable to maintain that level of performance in SQ3, with Leclerc dropping to fourth and Hamilton falling to seventh on the grid.
In the final classification, Hamilton trailed both McLaren cars as well as rivals from Mercedes and Red Bull Racing, including Max Verstappen. The result highlighted a lack of consistency in extracting peak performance from the upgraded package.
From a technical perspective, the drop-off in SQ3 suggests potential difficulties in maintaining the optimal tyre operating window or achieving stable car balance under peak qualifying conditions. Variations in track evolution and temperature sensitivity may also have contributed to the loss of performance.
Hamilton acknowledged that the team did not yet have a clear explanation for the sudden decline, indicating that further overnight analysis would be required. Data correlation between simulator and track performance is expected to play a key role in identifying the root cause.
The outcome places Ferrari at a disadvantage heading into the Sprint Race, where starting position is particularly critical given the limited opportunities for overtaking and the absence of mandatory pit stops.
The Miami weekend will therefore serve as an important test of Ferrari’s ability to optimise its upgrade package and recover competitiveness as the 2026 Formula 1 season continues.
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