Formula 1 3 Days

Last updated: April 25, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Team & Driver Developments Amid Development Push

The Formula 1 paddock is bracing for a significant development cycle leading into the Miami Grand Prix, with McLaren promising an "entirely new" car package for the race weekend, anticipating that rivals will follow suit with substantial updates of their own. This intense focus on in-season iteration contrasts sharply with the situation facing young driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is considered one of the biggest losers of the unplanned April break, as his momentum following back-to-back wins in China and Japan has stalled. The competitive pressure is further intensified by critiques from former drivers; Sebastian Vettel claimed F1 is losing its core DNA, expressing sympathy for current competitors while emphasizing the sport's historical requirement to find the fastest driver in the quickest machine.

Management Shifts & Paddock Intrigue

Organizational changes continue within the F1 infrastructure as Audi’s new racing division appointed Allan McNish as its racing director, effective immediately, tasking him with assuming responsibilities previously managed by the departed Jonathan Wheatley. Away from technical roles, former Red Bull F1 team boss Christian Horner generated speculation over the weekend by making an unexpected appearance at the Jerez circuit on Saturday, fueling rumors regarding a potential investment or ownership role within Moto GP teams. Meanwhile, driver frustration over car performance remains high, with Lando Norris explaining that losing even a marginal gain of “1-2%” in qualifying trim during recent races left drivers deeply dissatisfied with the handling characteristics of the current generation of F1 machinery during qualifying sessions.

Calendar Speculation & U.S. Coverage

As teams prepare for the North American swing, discussions continue regarding the optimal circuit selection for future calendars, with writers suggesting historical venues like Sepang should make a return to the schedule, despite its association with Tilke-era designs. For American audiences tuning into the build-up, the expanded coverage offered by Apple TV's F1® broadcasts is designed to capture the narrative arc of the entire race weekend, extending beyond the Sunday feature race to encompass practice, qualifying, and sprint sessions that shape the competitive story.