Miami was an important race for a number of teams, who were debuting revamped cars -- and in some cases, an entirely new identity -- to American audiences for the first time

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Two months after the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix races were wiped from the F1 schedule due to the breakout of the Iran War, race organizers were once again panicking last weekend as the drivers arrived to race in Miami.

Weather reports had suggested a possible thunderstorm for Sunday’s race — a big no-no due to a Florida law that requires any sporting event to halt immediately when thunder is heard or there’s a visible lightning strike — and F1 risked another race cancellation on one of the biggest stages on the circuit. By Saturday evening, the decision was made to move up the next day’s race, which eventually proved to be a smart decision, as Mercedes star Kimi Antonelli claimed the checkered flag on a mostly dry Miami F1 track.

The running of the race was no doubt a welcomed relief for F1 brass, who would have been hesitant to forfeit a third race in a row. But Miami was also an important race for a number of teams, who were debuting their revamped cars — and in some cases, an entirely new identity — to the American audiences for the first time this year.

One of those teams was Audi, with the German auto manufacturer making its U.S. Formula 1 debut after taking over the Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber from 2026 onwards. Though Sauber Motorsport had been part of the Formula 1 grid for more than 30 years, they had only topped the podium once in more than 500 race starts. With the backing of a new automotive powerhouse — not to mention Audi Motorsport’s extensive pedigree and success in World Endurance Championship and Le Mans — the team seems primed to finally break through. And in a season where the playing field has been leveled with revamped cars and a revised power unit, the team believes it has what it takes to move up the ranks.

“This team is much bigger, but the principles are exactly the same,” Audi F1 racing director Allan McNish told journalists in Miami. “We’ve been in motorsport for years and I think you know the success,” he said, “but this is another chapter and another challenge. And with that, I would say we haven’t had the experience to be able to know all of the boundaries to push right to the limit. At the same time,” he says, “with such a change in the regulations, you wouldn’t want to go all out aggressive in day one, because the thing that’s important is how we develop, and how we evolve through the season as a team and as a technical package,” he notes. “Because we’re on race four, but we’re actually looking at where we need to be to win in 2029 and 2030.”

For Audi F1 driver Nico Hulkenberg, the team’s progress is inspiring. “You know, we started from zero a few years ago, so it’s already quite impressive for me to see what they have done, and to see how competitive we are, especially in the races,” he says. “So I’m very optimistic and hopeful, and of course for me, it’s great to be part of this story and this great German brand.”

While Audi had less than desirable results in Miami — Gabriel Bortoleto finished 12th while Hulkenberg did not finish — the team did have a major presence off the track, hosting actors Lupita Nyong’o, Chase Infiniti and Tyriq Withers in its Paddock Club suite, while debuting its premium on-track Turn 1 Club, so-named because it gave guests a front-row vantage point at the track’s first turn. A number of fans were also spotted wearing gear from the team’s new collaboration with Adidas, which includes everything from official jerseys and hoodies to caps and tracksuits.

Both Bortoleto and Hulkenberg also made the rounds with fans and VIP guests throughout the weekend, with the 15-year Formula 1 vet Hulkenberg admitting that the auto sport has taken on a life of its own in recent years. “Compared to the beginning of my career, it’s just a much bigger stage,” he says, “[with] bigger brands involved, more attention and all these things that come with a more successful business and entertainment platform.”

As for who the German driver has been most starstruck by? Hulkenberg had a chance to meet Brad Pitt while the actor was promoting the F1 movie last year, but he says he’d most like to meet a certain chart-topping R&B star: “I’m a big fan of The Weeknd,” Hulkenberg says. “His music actually plays up and down in my car when we go to and from the track.”

Aside from Audi, the 2026 Miami Grand Prix also marked an important event for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, marking the team’s first home race in its inaugural F1 season. Along with clothing sponsor Tommy Hilfiger, the team brought out stars like actor Michael Rainey Jr., Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee, musician and actor Michael Cimino and KATSEYE star Manon Bannerman, who was making a rare solo appearance since announcing her hiatus from the group.

The team also unveiled special Tommy Hilfiger x Cadillac Formula 1 Team merch, with a limited-edition Miami capsule said to be “inspired by the city’s energy and culture.”

It was ultimately a tough day at the track for the Cadillac team and their returning drivers unfortunately: Mexican star Sergio Perez who most recently drove for Red Bull, finished in 16th, while Valtteri Bottas, who was last at Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber, ended in 18th position.

The 2026 F1 season has had another first, with a new Red Bull and Ford partnership. Both Red Bull’s and sister team Visa Cash App Racing Bulls’ (VCARB) cars are powered by Ford as part of a long-term strategic partnership with the renowned motor giant. Ford officially kicked off their return to Formula 1 with the season’s first race in Melbourne, and after a surprising start to the season, all eyes were on their comeback after a five-week hiatus on the track.

Red Bull star Max Verstappen led for part of the race before finishing in fifth. VCARB’s Arvid Lindblad placed 14th, while teammate Liam Lawson and Red Bull’s second driver, Isack Hadjar, both failed to finish. Still, Ford officials say it’s been great to be back on the circuit.

“The timing was perfect for us to come back in,” shared Will Ford, General Manager of Ford Motors. “We don’t want to just come back in for the sake of coming in. We need to come back the right way. And most importantly, with the right partner. We have always been monitoring in the last 20 years we weren’t in the sport, and once we got really serious about it, it was very quick,” he explains. “We got linked with Red Bull, started having these discussions and we just clicked right away. We found ways that we could technically contribute to their power unit business.”

“It’s funny because when I was young, in New Zealand, there was always a rivalry [involving Ford],” adds Lawson. “There was a championship called ‘Supercars,’ which basically used to be Ford versus Holden or Ford versus Chevy,” he says. “My dad was always a Ford guy when I was growing up, so it’s quite cool that we’re now partnering with them.”

The new Ford partnership has seemingly inspired Lawson’s choice of off-track vehicle too. “I spend a lot of time in their truck,” he says. “It’s my favorite vehicle to drive everyday.”

There was one another notable reveal during Miami Grand Prix weekend: VCARB had a new trick up their sleeve when the team debuted a vibrant new livery. The “summer sun yellow” colorway highlights a refreshing look for the hot season and was perfectly apt for the Sunshine State. This comes in tandem with a newly-launched Red Bull Sudachi Lime Flavor, available to buy online now.

The 2026 F1 season continues with the Canadian Grand Prix, taking place May 24 in Montreal.