Lewis Hamilton targets Miami Grand Prix success following Formula 1 hiatus
Lewis Hamilton is hoping for an improved performance at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix as Formula 1 returns following an unexpected five-week hiatus.
The 2026 season resumes in Florida after the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races due to rising tensions in the Middle East.
Teams have not raced competitively since the Japanese Grand Prix in late March.
Heavy rainfall is forecast to hit the circuit this weekend, threatening to replicate the chaotic conditions seen at the event last year.
Past frustrations and team orders
The previous iteration of the Miami race was heavily disrupted by torrential downpours, leading to the complete abandonment of the F1 Academy support event.
While the main grand prix eventually went ahead, the British driver endured a frustrating afternoon on his way to an eighth-place finish.
Tensions flared over team radio when Ferrari initially instructed him to hold position behind team-mate Charles Leclerc.
The veteran racer sarcastically suggested his strategists could have a tea break while delaying the call to let him pass the Monegasque driver.
Seeking a smoother resumption
Speaking to the media following that race, he clarified that his comments were born out of a desire for swift, concise decision-making.
“I’m sure people didn’t like certain comments but you’ve got to understand it was frustrating, people say way worse things than what I say.”
“Let’s not get emotional about it. We’re here to race, we’re not where we want to be.”
The remainder of that campaign proved difficult for the former Mercedes man, who failed to secure another podium finish all year.
However, the current 2026 campaign has started more positively, with a recent third-place finish in China providing optimism for the Scuderia.