The upcoming Miami Grand Prix could be a great opportunity for McLaren to compete head-to-head with Mercedes, according to James Hinchcliffe, former IndyCar driver and F1 TV presenter. After an unusual five-week break due to the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain GPs, the teams have been able to better prepare for this event at the Hard Rock Stadium.
In addition to the break, changes to the regulations have been introduced by the FIA and Formula 1 due to complaints and concerns about safety, a fact that could alter the standings of the teams. Andrea Stella, the team principal of McLaren, has confirmed that they will bring an almost new car to Miami, a circuit where they have won the last two editions.
Hinchcliffe has commented that this moment could be a reset of the season for McLaren, with the potential for a strong performance given the amount of updates the teams will carry. Additionally, he highlighted that Mercedes has been fast in recent years in Miami, with notable performances like Kimi Antonelli’s last year.
His co-host, Jolyon Palmer, also a former F1 driver, added that the team feels optimistic about this race. They have scheduled this Grand Prix as a key moment for car improvements, with a significant investment in updates. With the cancellation of the two races in the Middle East, McLaren has been able to focus on strategies for Miami.
Palmer emphasized that, while victory cannot be guaranteed, they have a Mercedes engine that will allow them to improve their performance. The averages from free practice will be crucial to assess the progress of their updates.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI