Overview
- New FIA measures debut in Miami to curb unsafe power spikes, including a rule that drivers must hold the throttle above 98% for one second before the power‑limited phase and fresh caps on MGU‑K deployment and boost.
- The sprint weekend features extra practice to assess the tweaks, and cars are expected to run slower as the tighter energy rules aim to restore more natural, flat‑out qualifying.
- Following a five‑week break caused by the Bahrain and Saudi cancellations, teams bring sizeable upgrades for a reshuffle test, with Mercedes still the benchmark from the opening three rounds.
- Red Bull introduces a major package Verstappen tested at Silverstone that team boss Laurent Mekies says will fix a “fair chunk” of its deficit, though he admits Mercedes retains an edge in both chassis and power.
- Mekies ruled out Gianpiero Lambiase’s planned move to McLaren by 2028 as a factor in Max Verstappen’s plans, even as Verstappen sits ninth in the standings and keeps up criticism of the 2026 cars.