Lewis Hamilton has insisted he is 'here to race' as he returns to the Miami Grand Prix following a frustrating outing last year. The seven-time world champion endured a difficult race in 2025, finishing eighth amid tense radio exchanges with his Ferrari team over a delayed overtake on team-mate Charles Leclerc.
Last year's race was overshadowed by torrential rain that forced the cancellation of the F1 Academy support race. The main event went ahead, but Hamilton's afternoon was marred by a seven-lap hold-up behind Leclerc while the team deliberated whether to let him pass. 'Have a tea break while you're at it,' Hamilton told his engineer over the radio, expressing his frustration at the delay.
Speaking after the race, Hamilton said his comments were 'more sarcastic than anything' and insisted he was not emotional. 'We're here to race, we're not where we want to be,' he told Sky Sports F1. He acknowledged that people may not have liked his remarks but pointed out that others say 'way worse things' than he did.
Hamilton's struggles continued throughout the 2025 season, with no podium finishes. However, the 2026 campaign has started more promisingly, with a third place in China, while Leclerc has also taken two third-place finishes. Both drivers are hoping that regulation changes introduced during the early-season break will reduce the need for battery management and bring more drama to the track.
As the season resumes in Miami, Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli will look to defend his championship lead, while Hamilton aims to build on his sixth-place finish in Japan. With rain again forecast for the weekend, the stage is set for another eventful Grand Prix.
