Formula One returns this weekend with the Miami Grand Prix following a month-long break since the Japanese Grand Prix. The early part of the season was disrupted after races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled due to conflict in the Middle East.
Mercedes have emerged as early frontrunners, with teenage driver Kimi Antonelli leading the standings after two wins and a second-place finish. He holds a nine-point advantage over teammate George Russell. Antonelli says team principal Toto Wolff has allowed both drivers to race freely, provided they do so responsibly.
Russell, who won the season opener in Australia, is focused on how rival teams may close the gap, with several expected to introduce upgrades in Miami and further developments planned for the Canadian Grand Prix.
At Ferrari, Charles Leclerc has shown consistency and currently sits third in the standings. However, the team is working intensively on simulator programmes to better align performance and improve competitiveness.
Defending champion Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri have endured a difficult start with McLaren, struggling for pace and reliability. Norris remains hopeful that a new upgrade package will help close the gap.
Meanwhile, four-time world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing has had a slow start to the season and currently sits ninth in the standings. He says the team is working hard to resolve performance issues and aims to move closer to the front.
With several teams introducing upgrades this weekend and more developments expected ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, the competitive order could shift significantly in the coming races.