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Miami Brings F1’s Mid-Season Power Fix as Mercedes Leads the Pack

The tweak signals a push to curb battery games after early safety scares.

Overview

  • From the Miami Grand Prix weekend, F1 enforces new limits on electric energy use, curbs harvesting in qualifying to promote flat‑out laps, introduces a start‑assist for slow getaways, and updates wet‑weather procedures.
  • First practice in Miami is extended to 90 minutes to give teams more time to adapt to the software and sporting changes after the five‑week break.
  • Mercedes arrives on top after three straight wins, with 19‑year‑old Kimi Antonelli leading George Russell by nine points, and Russell telling reporters the team will keep equal opportunities and avoid complacency.
  • McLaren brings a major upgrade described in reports as close to a new car, though David Coulthard cautions Miami’s layout may not show the full effect of the rule tweaks for a few races.
  • Juan Pablo Montoya expects the new start‑assist to blunt Ferrari’s launch strength and help Mercedes‑powered cars, reflecting debate over how the adjustments may shift team advantages without immediately redefining the racing order.