Overview
- With Bahrain and Saudi Arabia suspended due to conflict in the Middle East, the series entered an April break and will resume in Miami in early May after an unplanned month-long gap used for development.
- Mercedes set the early order under the new rules with three poles, three one‑two finishes and large winning margins, opening a clear lead over Ferrari and the rest.
- The FIA launched a multi‑meeting review of the 2026 package after Oliver Bearman suffered a 50G crash when an electric boost button created a big closing‑speed gap, and technical chief Nikolas Tombazis said safety is the top priority.
- Toto Wolff said Miami could act as a reset because teams and drivers are learning how to exploit the new electronic energy systems and many will debut major upgrade packages.
- Several contenders struggled with the new cars as Red Bull fought balance and reliability, McLaren endured repeated stoppages, and Aston Martin ran conservatively to keep cars running in what critics called a test program.