Max Verstappen fears tricky conditions in Miami. Beyond the rain, a very specific problem could complicate everything.
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The Miami Grand Prix weekend could turn into the unknown. Forecasts predict heavy rain and even thunderstorms for Sunday’s race, a scenario still unprecedented this season for the 2026 cars, which have only run in dry conditions so far.
Faced with this threat, several drivers have already expressed their concerns, notably regarding energy management and tire temperature. But Max Verstappen went further by pointing out another factor, potentially underestimated… but crucial.
The circuit’s drainage in the spotlight
The Dutchman worries about a very concrete problem: the track’s ability to drain water. The street circuit, set up around the Hard Rock Stadium, could quickly become tricky in case of heavy rainfall.
“Yes, there is all that. But I also think that the drainage here, on a parking lot, is probably more complicated” he explains.
A memory is still fresh in minds: during last year’s Sprint, large puddles formed, making visibility extremely difficult.
“We saw that there was a lot of standing water on the formation lap” Verstappen recalls, cautious before drawing definitive conclusions.
Other concerns shared in the paddock
The four-time world champion is not the only one anticipating a difficult weekend. Several drivers have raised issues related to the specifics of current F1 cars, notably their increased dependence on hybrid systems.
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Carlos Sainz mentioned the need to reduce electric power in case of rain, while Kimi Antonelli believes that an increase in the temperature of the heating blankets would be essential to improve grip.
On his side, Isack Hadjar confirms the difficulty of getting the tires up to temperature in the rain.
“It’s very difficult to generate temperature, especially with intermediates” he points out, even mentioning a quick preference for extreme wet tires as soon as water accumulates.
A leap into the unknown for the 2026 F1 cars
Beyond the technical debates, one reality stands out: no one really knows how these new cars will react in such extreme conditions. Between energy management, precarious grip, and reduced visibility, all the ingredients are there for an unpredictable race.
Hadjar sums up the general mindset well: “It’s not ideal to discover these conditions directly in the race. We would prefer to have a preview before, even in qualifying.”
Now it remains to be seen if the rain will actually show up on Sunday. But one thing is certain: if the sky opens above Miami, the spectacle could be as spectacular… as chaotic.
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