Russell surprised by McLaren, Ferrari pace as Mercedes struggles in Miami
George Russell expressed surprise at the "impressive" pace shown by McLaren and Ferrari in Miami, as Mercedes struggled. After winning the first three races, Mercedes saw rivals close the gap dramatically, with Norris taking Sprint pole and Russell qualifying only sixth amid tire overheating issues.
Mercedes driver George Russell admitted he was "pretty surprised" by the significant pace jump from McLaren and Ferrari during Friday's running at the Miami Grand Prix, while his own team struggled. The Brit qualified a disappointing sixth for the Sprint, well behind Lando Norris's pole-sitting McLaren and the Ferraris, signaling a potential shift in the competitive order after a five-week break and regulation tweaks.
Why it matters:
Mercedes entered Miami having won the first three races of the 2026 season, establishing themselves as clear title favorites. The sudden and apparent loss of their performance advantage to their closest rivals questions the sustainability of their early dominance and sets the stage for a much tighter championship fight. This development validates the aggressive upgrade packages brought by Ferrari and McLaren and tests Mercedes' ability to respond under new regulatory conditions.
The details:
- Qualifying Shock: Lando Norris took a commanding Sprint Qualifying pole for McLaren, with Ferrari's Kimi Antonelli second and Oscar Piastri third. George Russell could only manage sixth, highlighting a stark performance gap.
- Driver Reaction: Russell called McLaren and Ferrari's pace gain "pretty damn impressive," conceding they were quicker all day. He acknowledged the team knew the gap had closed but was surprised by the magnitude.
- Personal Struggles: Russell cited specific problems, including significant tire overheating and an inability to find the right car balance, particularly in the circuit's twisty middle sector. He noted Miami is not a track he loves in hot conditions.
- Friday's Pace Setter: In the sole extended practice session, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc led the way, showcasing the immediate impact of the team's reported 11 updates brought to Miami.
What's next:
The focus now shifts to Saturday's Sprint race and the main Grand Prix qualifying. Russell remains hopeful, noting that "it's only Sprint Qualifying" and that the Sprint format can offer opportunities, as seen in China. The true test will be whether Mercedes can analyze their data overnight to solve their balance and tire wear issues, or if McLaren and Ferrari have genuinely made a leap that redefines the pecking order for the remainder of the Miami weekend and beyond.
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