As the Formula 1 2024 season progresses towards its sixth race, the Miami Grand Prix, which is being held for the third time, Red Bull and Max Verstappen have maintained dominance since the first race.
In Bahrain, Max Verstappen claimed victory after fiercely battling Charles Leclerc. The recent race in China once again highlighted Red Bull’s dominance, confirming their position as top contenders alongside Ferrari.
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Verstappen’s dominance seems unstoppable unless something tragic, like his brakes overheating in the Australian GP, occurs.
As the Miami GP is around the corner, let’s take a closer look on, Which five teams should we keep an eye on for their chances of securing a podium in the upcoming sprint weekend, marking the second of the season?
F1 Miami Grand Prix: Predictions 2024
The Miami Grand Prix marks the start of Red Bull Racing’s dominance, with the Milton Keynes team securing victory at both editions so far.
Despite new regulations, no team has challenged them. Red Bull is poised for another double podium, replicating 2023’s success.
Ferrari, with a special livery, aims for improved pace, while Mercedes, with W15 upgrades, targets higher points standings.
Max Verstappen and Red Bull For Miami Grand Prix
From the start of the season, Max has showcased his winning capabilities, making it challenging for other drivers to compete against him.
The F1 Miami GP presents very humid conditions, putting significant stress on the tires. This situation mirrors the conditions seen earlier in the year in Bahrain, where the RB20 typically outperforms its rivals.
Max Verstappen seems to be a secure choice for both the sprint and the race.
McLaren and Mercedes upgrades for the Miami Grand Prix
In Shanghai, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton occupied the front row together in the sprint race, with Hamilton securing a podium finish in second.
During Chinese grand prix, Norris, with good fortune, managed to split the Red Bulls and finished behind Verstappen in second place.
Ferrari has been the closest contender to Red Bull and the only team besides the world champions to win a race.
McLaren and Mercedes plan to bring their biggest upgrades yet to Miami, aiming to narrow the gap with Ferrari and Red Bull.
Mercedes technical director James Allison hopes the new parts this weekend could provide marginal gains, earning them additional grid places in a close qualifying field.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella stated their package will focus on improving tire degradation but warned against expecting the same performance leap as last season’s major upgrades.
Ferrari’s new look for the Miami GP
Ferrari will run a mostly unchanged car from Shanghai but will sport a different look in Miami after announcing their first official title sponsor since 2021.
Ferrari has confirmed technology brand Hewlett-Packard as their newest and biggest sponsor, with their logo joining the team’s car and driver overalls.
To mark the announcement, the team will incorporate blue into the color schemes of the drivers’ overalls, helmets, and the SF-24’s livery.
Ferrari is commemorating 70 years of their brand in the North American market, coinciding with the colors matching their new partner.
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The team aims for a better performance in Miami than last year, where Sainz and Leclerc finished fifth and seventh. After neither Ferrari took a podium finish in Shanghai, a top three finish is the goal this weekend.
Haas upgrades for Miami
The technical innovations introduced by Haas in China enabled Nico Hulkenberg to secure tenth place.
He crossed the line just ahead of Ocon, who raced with a lighter A524 and upgraded floor. Haas will continue aggressive development in Miami, bringing forward updates initially planned for Imola.
While Haas aims to go on the attack in Miami, Racing Bulls will also advance parts, such as a new floor, originally slated for Imola, to defend their position in the midfield.
Gaurang is a writer at the SportsOrbit covering articles related to F1,Gaurang was 14 when he cared more about playing football than studying. But when COVID hit and he had to stay home, he discovered Formula 1. It immediately caught his interest. Since then, he’s been really into Formula 1, watching every race and learning all about it. He still loves football, but now he’s also a big fan of Formula 1, especially Lewis Hamilton. Even though he loves racing, he still looks up to Cristiano Ronaldo as his idol.