Wolff expects field to be 'much closer' at Miami GP as Mercedes chase fourth win
Photo: Race Pictures
15:55, 29 Apr
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Henry Eccles is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs, and features across the F1 calendar. Since joining in 2026, he has produced high-volume reporting on the sport’s biggest stories, alongside feature pieces including analysis and historical content.
Toto Wolff has previewed the Miami GP by emphasising that the F1 grid will be "much closer" together than the opening three races in 2026, all of which were won by Mercedes.
The Silver Arrows sit comfortably in the lead of the Constructors' standings, 45 points ahead of Ferrari in P2, while their two drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are at the top of the Drivers'
George Russell entered the season as many people's favourite for the title, but after two back-to-back victories for young Italian Antonelli at Shanghai and Suzuka, the Briton may well have a fight on his hands for the world championship. Antonelli currently sits P1 in the standings, nine points ahead of Russell.
Speaking to Mercedes' website, team boss Wolff has said they have used the five-week break to "address our weaknesses and continue to raise our level" but has warned the competition will be closer after rivals have built a "deeper understanding" of their cars.
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Wolff said: "After a month without racing, we are ready to get back on track. We've used this break to analyse the opening races honestly, address our weaknesses and continue to raise our level. We've started the season well, but that counts for very little if you stand still.
"We also know that our competitors will have used this time effectively to improve their packages and build a deeper understanding of their cars, so we expect the field to be closer in Miami."
"That's the reality of F1; it's a challenge we not only welcome but must rise to."
Photo: Race Pictures
Miami GP rule changes 'respect the DNA of F1', says Wolff
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Wolff also addressed the recent changes in the F1 regulations, set to be implemented in Miami this weekend. The tweaks will see reduced recharge in qualifying, increased super-clipping power, a boost cap of +150 kW, as well as aids to slow race starts.
Wolff said the new rules "respect the DNA of our sport" and that he is confident in an improved racing spectacle going forward.
"As a sport, we have also used this time to engage in constructive and open dialogue with all stakeholders," he said.
"The regulatory tweaks are an evolution rather than a revolution, designed to build on the quality of racing we've seen so far while allowing the drivers to push to the limit. These changes respect the DNA of our sport and I'm confident they will contribute to an even stronger spectacle going forward."
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Miami Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 01.05.26
Practice 1
04:00 PM
Sprint Qualification
08:30 PM
Saturday 02.05.26
Sprint Race
04:00 PM
Qualification
08:00 PM
Sunday 03.05.26
Race
08:00 PM
Friday 01.05.26
Practice 1
Fri 04:00 PM
Sprint Qualification
Fri 08:30 PM
Saturday 02.05.26
Sprint Race
Sat 04:00 PM
Qualification
Sat 08:00 PM
Sunday 03.05.26
Race
Sun 08:00 PM
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F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 72 | |
2 | MercedesMER | 63 | |
3 | FerrariFER | 49 | |
4 | FerrariFER | 41 | |
5 | McLarenMCL | 25 | |
6 | McLarenMCL | 21 | |
7 | HaasHAA | 17 | |
8 | AlpineALP | 15 | |
9 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 12 | |
10 | Racing BullsRCB | 10 |
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