McLaren’s "big, big upgrade" for Miami could shift momentum, says David Croft

McLaren target major step forward in Miami

Sky F1 commentator David Croft has revealed that McLaren is preparing a "big, big upgrade" for the Miami Grand Prix, a development he believes could significantly alter the competitive order.

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has already suggested the Miami weekend could resemble a "different championship" compared to the opening rounds, which have been dominated by Mercedes.

Why Mercedes may be concerned

Despite Mercedes’ early-season strength, cracks have begun to show. At the Japanese Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri emerged as a genuine victory contender and became the first driver this season to finish ahead of either Kimi Antonelli or George Russell.

Piastri ultimately finished second to Antonelli, who capitalised on a safety car period to pit and seize the lead. Without that intervention, the race narrative could have been very different.

Croft believes Mercedes may be frustrated that rivals now have four uninterrupted weeks to refine their challengers.

"Yeah, I agree. And I think McLaren have a big, big upgrade coming in Miami that they're already very pleased with in terms of the numbers it's given them from the simulator."

The suggestion is clear: McLaren’s internal data is encouraging, and the team arrives in Miami expecting tangible gains.

Piastri’s missed opportunity in Japan

Croft also argued that Piastri may have been denied a breakthrough win at Suzuka due to the timing of the safety car triggered by Oliver Bearman’s heavy 50G crash.

"I think Oscar Piastri might have won [in Japan], actually, without the safety car. And I know Kimi's pace before the safety car was pretty lightning, but he still had to fight his way through the field a little bit and make some overtakes."

"Oscar had track position, and I think, had he kept that track position, he would have gone on to win it."

Track position, Croft suggested, was decisive. Piastri looked composed and in control before the interruption reshaped the race.

"He looked so comfortable, and that was one of the big takeaways. From a pleasing perspective for me, Oscar A) got to race and B) looked pretty good when he was racing."

That performance, combined with a significant upgrade package in the pipeline, points to a team gathering momentum.

Miami as a potential turning point

Mercedes may have dominated the early phase of the season, but the enforced break has reset the development race. With McLaren confident in its simulator data and Ferrari anticipating a competitive reshuffle, Miami could mark a decisive shift in the competitive landscape.

If McLaren’s upgrade delivers on its promise, and if Piastri replicates his Suzuka form, the narrative of the championship may begin to change.