1 May 2026Sky SportsRace reportDriver Ratings

Russell Surprised by Mercedes' Sudden Pace Deficit in Miami

George Russell was taken aback as Mercedes' early-season supremacy vanished in Miami Sprint Qualifying, with Lando Norris putting McLaren on pole. A major upgrade push from rivals during the break has reshuffled the order, leaving Mercedes playing catch-up.

George Russell expressed surprise after Mercedes' early-season dominance was halted in Miami, with Lando Norris taking Sprint pole for a resurgent McLaren. The five-week development break since Japan allowed rivals to close the gap significantly, pushing Russell to sixth while his teammate Kimi Antonelli secured second.

Why it matters:

Mercedes' streak of poles and wins to start the 2026 season is over, signaling a dramatic shift in the competitive order. The effectiveness of rival upgrades in Miami suggests the development race is intensifying, potentially ending the Silver Arrows' early monopoly and setting up a multi-team fight at the front for the first time this year.

The details:

Upgrade Disparity: McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull all brought significant upgrade packages to Miami. Mercedes, in contrast, only introduced minor parts, saving a major update for the Canadian Grand Prix later in May.
Driver Reactions:
- George Russell: Admitted the jump from McLaren and Ferrari was "pretty damn impressive" and surprising in its scale. He conceded they were quicker all day.
- Kimi Antonelli: The championship leader described a "messy" session but recovered to split the McLarens, highlighting the team's ability to salvage a good result.
- Lando Norris: Called McLaren's step forward a "pleasant surprise," noting improved confidence from the first lap and performance exceeding expectations.
Mixed Fortunes for Rivals:
- Ferrari: Despite bringing the most new parts (11 elements), Charles Leclerc (4th) struggled on the soft tire after showing strong pace on mediums. Lewis Hamilton (7th) was despondent, hoping for more.
- Red Bull: Max Verstappen (5th) was more optimistic, stating the team had "almost halved" its one-second deficit and felt the car was "more together," allowing him to trust it more.

What's next:

The Sprint and Grand Prix in Miami will be the true test of whether McLaren's qualifying pace translates into race-winning performance. All eyes will be on Mercedes' response; their planned major upgrade for Canada now carries even greater pressure to reclaim the initiative. This weekend could redefine the pecking order for the European season ahead.