Can Anyone Beat Mercedes at Miami? Our 2026 Miami Grand Prix Podium Predictions

Three races into 2026, the Formula 1 pecking order is clear : Mercedes is first, Ferrari is second, everyone else is trying to figure out how to close the gap. But this 2026 Miami Grand Prix isn’t a normal weekend. With new regulations , a completely new McLaren and an 88% chance of thunderstorms on Sunday, the order is about to be tested.

Here are our three picks. P1: Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes Credit: F1 Kimi Antonelli has to be the default pick. Until someone proves otherwise, Antonelli is the answer.

Three races in, the 19-year-old has two wins, two pole positions, and 72 points. He leads the championship by nine points and has been impressive in these new cars. Mercedes has won every race this season and has been the class of the field thus far.

The new mid-season regulation package that hits Miami this weekend doesn’t change that baseline — if anything, it gives Mercedes one more area to be better prepared than everyone else, having already optimized their energy deployment at three race weekends while rivals are still catching up. More to the point: Antonelli doesn’t make mistakes on Sundays. Australia was a recovery drive.