The Formula 1 circus returns to Miami this weekend for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, following a five-week break and recent rule changes. The adjustments, agreed between F1, the FIA, and team principals, aim to reduce the need for drivers to manage battery levels during qualifying and minimise crashes caused by speed differentials, such as Ollie Bearman's heavy accident at the Japanese Grand Prix. Teams have also used the break to introduce upgrades, potentially shaking up the competitive order dominated by Mercedes. However, this weekend's action, including the second sprint race of the season, may struggle to match the drama of last year's Miami Grand Prix.
Race Cancelled
The scorching heat typically associated with Florida was absent for much of the 2025 weekend, with several heavy downpours striking the circuit. One such downpour disrupted the F1 sprint race, where Charles Leclerc aquaplaned and hit the wall on his reconnaissance lap, failing to start. The sprint began on a rain-soaked track before conditions improved, causing chaos in the pit lane with last-minute tyre changes. On race day, further heavy rain led to the cancellation of the F1 Academy race after a formation lap behind the safety car, as drivers struggled with visibility and grip, with some sliding off the track. The race was postponed and ultimately shelved. Fortunately, conditions improved for the F1 Grand Prix, which went ahead as scheduled, with Oscar Piastri claiming victory.
Driver Sacked
The Miami Grand Prix proved to be Jack Doohan's final race for Alpine, as he was replaced by Franco Colapinto. Doohan's future had been uncertain since Colapinto joined Alpine from Williams as a reserve driver during the winter. The Australian had out-qualified teammate Pierre Gasly for the first time in Miami, only to be caught in a first-corner incident that ended his race. He had also suffered heavy crashes in the season opener in Australia and during practice in Japan. Doubts arose over whether Colapinto represented an improvement or had benefited from commercial partnerships with Argentine firms. A year later, Colapinto remains behind the wheel, while Doohan is now a reserve driver for Haas.
Pundit Angers Fans
Off-track controversy erupted as fans took to social media demanding Sky Sports drop American pundit Danica Patrick. The motorsport trailblazer, who competed in IndyCar and NASCAR, divided viewers with her opinions, with some claiming she lacked F1 knowledge. One fan wrote: "Sky Sports, please please please, on the behalf of almost every F1 fan, replace Danica Patrick with another female driver, if that is the criteria." Another added: "Dear Sky Sports F1, get Danica Patrick off your coverage. No-one wants to see her or hear her views. Such a turn-off." A third said: "I really can't understand why Sky insist on dragging out Danica Patrick for the American races. It can't be a diversity hire, because we have Bernie [Collins], Natalie [Pinkham] and Naomi [Schiff]. It can't be knowledge, because she has none. It can't be personality, because she has none." Patrick is seen as a divisive figure due to her vocal backing of Donald Trump. Having been a familiar face at North American races in recent years, Patrick was not retained by Sky Sports for the 2026 season.
