The 2026 Miami Grand Prix will likely be remembered for its chaotic collisions and a final-lap heartbreak, but for Scuderia Ferrari, the debris hides a monumental step forward. Despite a dramatic conclusion that saw both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finish off the podium, the Maranello-based squad has emerged as the clear “best of the rest,” cementing their status as the primary challengers to a dominant Mercedes.
The Standings: A Ferrari Power Move
The headline coming out of the Sunshine State is the math. With a combined haul of points from a frantic weekend, Scuderia Ferrari now sits at 112 points in the World Constructors’ Championship. This surge has allowed them to pull comfortably ahead into second place, gapping a surging McLaren and a struggling Red Bull Racing.
Perhaps more impressive is the internal harmony within the Scuderia’s garage. In the World Drivers’ Championship, the legendary duo of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton now occupy 3rd and 4th place respectively.
- Charles Leclerc (63 pts): Currently holds P3, despite a late-race spin while battling to defend his podium spot.
- Lewis Hamilton (49 pts): Following closely in P5, providing the consistent scoring Ferrari has lacked in previous seasons.
Collision Course: Hadjar, Lawson, and Hülkenberg
The race was anything but “media-friendly,” defined by high-tension incidents that reshaped the grid. Early on, Isack Hadjar saw his promising run end in the barriers after clipping the technical chicane, a mistake that triggered the first of the day’s major disruptions.
The drama intensified later when Liam Lawson was involved in a massive incident that saw Pierre Gasly’s Alpine flipped, ultimately leading to Lawson’s retirement during the Safety Car period. Amidst the carnage, Nico Hülkenberg‘s Audi also fell victim to the chaos, forced into a garage retirement after sustaining damage early in the race.
These retirements allowed Ferrari to capitalize on a war of attrition, picking up vital points while their rivals faced a “double-zero” weekend.
Looking Ahead: Destination Montreal
While the Miami finish was messy, the momentum is undeniably with the Prancing Horse. The SF-26 showed genuine pace, with Leclerc leading a significant portion of the race before the final-lap drama.
As the paddock packs up for the Montreal Grand Prix, Ferrari heads to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve with a clear objective. They aren’t just looking to maintain their second-place standing; they are hunting for the top step. If Miami was a test of survival, Montreal will be the test of speed.
