Brundle's Verdict: F1 Rule Tweaks Work as Verstappen's 'Genius' Recovery and Antonelli's Miami Win Steal the Show

F1's mid-season rule tweaks to smooth out power delivery paid off in Miami, with drivers happier and cars looking alive. Martin Brundle calls the changes a clear step in the right direction, despite some early concerns about overtaking in the Sprint. The main race delivered a classic, with Kimi Antonelli taking his third consecutive victory and Max Verstappen pulling off a 'genius' 360 recovery spin.

Why it matters:

The adjustments were critical to fixing the show after a rocky start to 2026. With battery recharging issues tamed and closing speeds reduced, Miami proved the sport can still produce wheel-to-wheel drama. The result reshapes the title fight: Antonelli extends his lead, while McLaren and Ferrari close the gap to Mercedes.

The details:

• Rule tweaks worked: Drivers reported better balance and more overtaking opportunities. The cars now have a decent surplus of power over grip on corner exits, reducing the 'labouring' engines seen earlier.
• Verstappen's genius spin: On lap one, he looped around after contact with Leclerc, then executed a perfect 360-degree turn at low speed, maintaining forward momentum and avoiding a crash. Brundle calls it incredibly difficult.
• Antonelli's strategic win: Mercedes used an early undercut on lap 26 to leapfrog Norris. Antonelli then held off the reigning champion in a tense two-horse race to the flag, winning by a narrow margin.
• Leclerc's heartbreak: After a strong start and podium fight, Leclerc spun on the penultimate lap while trying to repass Piastri, damaged his car, and later received a 20-second penalty for cutting chicanes. He finished eighth.
• Williams' relief: Both cars scored points for the first time this season, with Franco Colapinto seventh and Carlos Sainz ninth. Brundle calls it a timely boost.

What's next:

The field is converging fast. Mercedes' early dominance has faded, and the next round in Montreal—another Sprint weekend—could see McLaren or Ferrari challenge Antonelli again. Brundle: "Bring on Montreal."