The Brackley-based Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team have got the 2026 season off to a near-perfect start, however their dominance may not be so clear-cut come the Miami Grand Prix.

Mercedes have clinched 135 points out of a possible 144 so far, finishing 1-2 in both Australia and China before coming home in first and fourth in Japan. In the Chinese Sprint, meanwhile, the Silver Arrows finished first and fifth.

It looks like a two-horse race for the World Drivers’ Championship, with teenage wonderkid Kimi Antonelli leading with 72 points, ahead of teammate George Russell on 63.

But it may not be so straightforward, with the unforeseen five-week break – caused by the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races being postponed due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East – disrupting Mercedes’ rhythm.

Mercedes may not be able to keep Ferrari (pictured) and McLaren in the rear-view mirrors for much longer, with upgrades to come at the Miami Grand Prix on May 3. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images)

placeholder image — Mercedes may not be able to keep Ferrari (pictured) and McLaren in the rear-view mirrors for much longer, with upgrades to come at the Miami Grand Prix on May 3. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images)

Not only has this enforced break broken the Silver Arrows’ momentum, but it has given other constructors the opportunity to right their wrongs and deliver upgrades ahead of the next Grand Prix.

Upon touchdown in Miami at the start of May, Mercedes may well be looking over their shoulders at the likes of Ferrari and McLaren, eager to upset the apple cart. Red Bull, well off the pace so far, could even bridge the gap to some extent.

Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft recently said on the F1 Show: “I think McLaren have a big, big upgrade coming in Miami that they’re already very pleased with in terms of the numbers it’s given them from the simulator.”

Meanwhile, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur believes it will be a “different championship” in the next rounds. The Scuderia are also expected to bring upgrade packages to Florida, with those to be tested in Maranello on April 22.

There was already a sign of a McLaren revival in Suzuka as Oscar Piastri had an excellent start and was leading before Antonelli pitted under a fortuitous safety car.

Ferrari, on the other hand, have been on the podium in every Grand Prix as Mercedes’ closest challengers.

McLaren’s Suzuka runner-up Piastri and world champion Lando Norris - as well as Ferrari pair Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton - will be hopeful they can go wheel-to-wheel with the Brackley outfit next time out.