In the world of Formula 1, as the Miami Grand Prix approaches, teams are hard at work evaluating data and chasing performance. With the season's first three rounds already behind us, and a pause in racing through April, it's time to take a closer look at the key areas each team needs to focus on for the upcoming races. From engine improvements to reliability and driver dynamics, the challenges are diverse and complex. Let's dive into the critical issues facing each team and explore the strategies they're employing to stay competitive.
Mercedes: Navigating the Intra-Team Battle
One thing to work on: Dust off the old team mate manual
Mercedes has started the 2026 season brilliantly, winning all three Grands Prix and the single Sprint held so far. Their power unit is a work of art, and the chassis is strong, albeit not the strongest. However, the intra-team battle between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli is a unique challenge. The two drivers, both capable of winning every week, are in close proximity, which raises the question of how they will handle their fall out without contact. The key for Mercedes is to manage this dynamic while also making tweaks to the car. CEO and Team Principal Toto Wolff has a history of employing clever tactics, and the team will hope to avoid any drastic measures that could disrupt their success.
Ferrari: Powering Towards Victory
One thing to work on: Improve the engine
Ferrari has made significant progress from a winless 2025, with their all-star driver pairing of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc thriving under the new regulations. The chassis started the season as the class of the field, and the rocket starts have seen both drivers lead laps. However, improvements to the power unit are crucial if they are to contend for Grand Prix wins. While this won't be possible for Miami, later in the season should see gains in this department, allowing Ferrari to push towards the front of the grid.
McLaren: Reliability and Consistency
One thing to work on: Improve reliability
McLaren, the reigning World Champions, has started on the back foot this season. However, each time they bring new parts to the car, it becomes faster. The team's considered approach to upgrades, combined with the great correlation between wind tunnel data and race track, has meant they have a formidable record of improving a car. The challenge now is to find consistent reliability. With Lando Norris on his final battery of the season, the team must address the myriad of problems that have hobbled the car. The race-free April will have allowed McLaren time to further analyze and improve their performance.
Haas: Balancing Performance and Consistency
One thing to work on: Develop the car while keeping the magic Friday feeling for drivers
Haas drivers are delighted with this year's challenger, which correlates well with their pre-race weekend simulations. This means the car rolls out of the garage for FP1, and the driver can predict what they have underneath them. However, as the team chases even more performance in their quest for fifth place in the standings, the challenge becomes adding pace while keeping the Friday morning feeling that allows both drivers to attack the weekend immediately.
Alpine: Scoring Regularly with Both Cars
One thing to work on: Score regularly with both cars
Alpine has turned the page from a horrible 2025, with a smart design by David Sanchez and a highly-motivated Pierre Gasly behind the wheel. The team has scored points in every race so far, with Franco Colapinto recording his first points with the team in China. However, the target must be to regularly score points with both cars. If the team is to fight for P5 in the Constructors' Championship, they must address the imbalance between the lead car and the second car.
Red Bull: Keeping Max Verstappen
One thing to work on: Keep Max Verstappen
Red Bull has faced challenges with their power unit, but a smart acquisition of personnel has meant the Red Bull Ford power unit deserves praise. However, the team must resolve Max Verstappen's future. Great one-team drivers become the culture of the team, and any rebuild would be doubly difficult without their totemic driver. The challenge is to find a replacement who can step into the role and continue the team's success.
Racing Bulls: Adding Downforce
One thing to work on: Add downforce
Racing Bulls, regardless of their name, have brought a well-balanced car with a solid set-up window. The team is targeting more downforce and has gone aggressive in their approach, bringing a raft of upgrades at both of the next two races in Miami and Montreal. With Liam Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad having a strong start to the season, the team is focused on improving their performance and staying competitive.
Audi: Mastering the Starts
One thing to work on: The starts
Audi has done well with their new power unit, but they face a significant challenge in mastering the starts. The design of the power unit, with a huge turbo, has created a flaw in their first season in F1. Getting the turbo to spin at the correct speed for the start of the race is proving elusive, and the team must address this issue to avoid losing places and scoring points. With teams finding performance all the time, Audi must act quickly to stay competitive.
Williams: Shedding Weight and Addressing Long-Known Problems
One thing to work on: Shed the weight
Williams has found themselves in a challenging situation after constructing an overweight car. The team knows they are missing downforce compared to their rivals, and every kilo shed will directly correlate into lap time. With a continued lack of progress, both drivers will be exploring their options. The team must address these long-known problems and shed weight to improve their performance.
Cadillac: Reducing the Gap
One thing to work on: Reduce the gap
Cadillac has had a creditable start, but now faces the challenging task of closing the gap to a pack that is desperately seeking to add performance. The experienced pair of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are calm about their position, but the team must give them a car to fight for Q2 by the end of the campaign. With both drivers proven F1 winners, the charm of a return to the grid will wear off if the team can't deliver.
Aston Martin: Addressing Vibration Issues
One thing to work on: Everything painted green
Aston Martin has a lot to fix, with the central issue being the vibration from the power unit. The team must address this issue to progress to a workable race spec and avoid limping around at the back. Once the car is in a truly raceable specification, the team will face the hard work of understanding and improving the power unit. With Adrian Newey's race designs missing the podium since 1989, Aston Martin must make significant strides to stay competitive.
