Red Bull Eyes Miami for a 'Second Season Launch' in 2026

Red Bull, currently the fourth-fastest car on the grid, is preparing for what team principal Laurent Mekies has dubbed a 'second season launch' at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix. As the 2026 season marks the start of a new regulation cycle, the development race is heating up, and Red Bull aims to close the gap to front-runners like Mercedes, who currently hold a one-second-per-lap advantage.

The cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix has given teams an unexpected window to focus on upgrades, and Mekies sees this as a golden opportunity. The Miami race could be a turning point, he suggests, as every team will be rolling out significant changes, potentially reshaping the competition.

Speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Mekies highlighted the challenges Red Bull has faced, such as a short winter and a new power unit. He notes that while the team is currently trailing, this break allows them to dive deeper into data and refine their development strategy. The upgrades planned for Miami are crucial, as they'll test whether Red Bull can catch up to their rivals.

Mekies is optimistic about the forthcoming upgrades, which he believes will redefine the competitive landscape. 'It will be a bit like a second season launch,' he says, anticipating that the Miami Grand Prix will provide a new starting point for all teams to showcase their latest advancements.

As teams scramble to outdo each other, the Miami Grand Prix promises to offer a glimpse into the future of the 2026 season. With everyone engaged in a massive development race, the stakes are higher than ever, and Red Bull is gearing up to make the most of this opportunity.