Formula 1: Are any F1 teams bringing upgrades to Miami GP 2023?

Formula 1 will be extending its stretch this weekend towards America with the F1 Miami GP 2023, Max Verstappen is leading the Driver Standings at this moment. But, his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez is just behind him.

This will be the first of three races scheduled in the USA for the 2023 F1 season. The Miami International Autodrome circuit in Florida debuted in the F1 schedule in the 2022 season with Red Bull’s star driver Verstappen winning the inaugural race, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished behind him.

Aston Martin's shocking upgrades in F1 2023 season

After four races and three successful podium finishes for Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin has somewhat been the closest challenge to Red Bull’s RB 19 car. The talking point this season certainly has been the transition of the Silverstone-based side from last year.

Last season, they finished at the seventh spot, whereas after four races, they are currently behind the four-time champion side in the second spot, with 87 points. The British manufacturer has done a great job with their wind tunnel, as they continue to cash in with the aerodynamics advantage in the 2023 season.

What are the teams planning?

Ferrari has totally been overshadowed by Red Bull this season, especially after the last race at Baku, when Leclerc took the pole position for the main race but gave away his lead in the start as the UK-based side completed a 1-2 finish, while Italy-based side checked behind them.

According to Ferrari's newly appointed team principal, Frederic Vasseur, the ‘Prancing Horse’ will go for major upgrades in Miami GP 2023, followed by many more upgrades in the upcoming season.

One of the major changes for the 16-time Constructors Champions would be related to the DRS issue, as in Azerbaijan GP, defending champions Red Bull got away on the DRS zone against them, as Verstappen and Perez went past against Leclerc on the straights at Baku.

Vasseur will be looking to bring these changes at Miami because in the last race weekend, which consisted of a sprint format, the Alpine side brought major upgrades at Baku City Circuit but failed to extract their new changes as the last race weekend consists of only one Free Practise (FP) session.

Alpine was looking to challenge the top four positions but failed to use their major upgrades, as Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon were unable to finish in the top-eight position. But they will be looking to showcase their new add-ons with three FP sessions scheduled at Miami GP 2023.

Eight-times champion side, Mercedes will be looking to bring a new direction for their W14 car as the UK-based side is struggling to challenge for the second position at 2023 Constructors Standings. 

Surely, Christian Horner-led Red Bull has taken a major lead at the start of the 2023 season with 180 points, but the major challenge for other teams is to stay in the top four, as Aston Martin is on 87, Mercedes at 76 and Ferrari with 62 points in 2023 season, so there is likely to be major upgrades in team strategy with upcoming races in 2023 F1.