Following a month-long break the F1 season resumes in South Beach with the fifth running of the Miami Grand Prix. Mercedes drivers are all over the top of the Formula 1 odds with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli viewed as the top operators.
The duo combined to win the first three races of the season with Antonelli taking the checkered flag in the last two in Japan and China. Despite that Russell emerged as the slight outright betting favorite with a win in Australia and runner-up in China.
Miami Grand Prix Overview
The schedule wasn’t designed to have five weeks off between races, but unrest in the Middle East forced April cancellations of Grand Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. As a result the season schedule has been trimmed to 22 races reducing the opportunities for drivers to amass points in the World Drivers’ Championship competition.
The 2026 Miami Grand Prix will be run at the Miami International Autodrome at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, May 3. The green flag flies at 4 p.m. ET with the race streamed easily on Apple TV.
There hasn’t been much variation in the winner’s circle since the start of last season. Five drivers have combined to win the last 27 races with Max Verstappen leading the way with 8 wins in that span. A tough start to the season has Verstappen outside the top 5 favorites on the early F1 odds board.
Oscar Piastri and last season’s World Drivers’ Championship winner Lando Norris have yet to win this season but each had 7 victories in 2025. They boast the third and fourth shortest odds respectively on the early board.
All agreed upon refinements will begin in Miami with attention paid to how they will affect the on-track product.
Miami Grand Prix Lineup and Pre-Race Storylines
Some people are referring to the 2026 Miami Grand Prix as the “Great Reset” following mid-season changes that brought new technical regulations to the track. Four different areas were addressed: car performance in qualifying, adjustments to start procedures, and safety concerns during races and in wet conditions.
The changes that have been agreed on will start in Miami with attention paid to how they will affect the F1 brand and that will take some attention away from the drivers.
A total of 22 drivers, two from each team, are set to race in Miami. Mercedes has dominated with drivers George Russell (1) and Kimi Antonelli (2) winning the first three races. Ferrari and McLaren are the teams most likely to break the Mercedes streak.
Last year’s Drivers’ Championship winner Lando Norris and defending Miami Grand Prix winner Oscar Piastri give McLaren the second shortest constructor odds on the board. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have finished among the top six in every race, boosting the chances of Ferrari to claim a team title in Miami.
Drivers with Momentum Entering Miami Grand Prix
- With new regulations in place ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, every driver and team is on even ground. Additional time was granted for practice and qualifying allowing everyone to adjust.
- The lengthy delay between races may have disrupted the momentum gained by the impressive start of Kimi Antonelli. A runner-up finish in Australia to start the year was followed by his first two career F1 victories. He ended last season with two podiums and three top 5s in his last four starts.
- George Russell won in Australia and was runner-up in China before “slipping” to fourth in Japan. Despite trailing his teammate in points, Russell is positioned as the F1 betting favorite due to his history of performing well on fast street courses.
- If any driver is going to break the Mercedes jinx it could very well be Charles Leclerc, who’s been close the first three races. He finished behind Antonelli and Russell taking third in Australia and grabbed another podium finishing ahead of Russell in Japan.
Miami Grand Prix Odds and Betting Markets
Odds for the outright champion, a podium finish and even margin of victory are all on the table for the Miami Grand Prix. Teammates George Russell and Kimi Antonelli sit atop the outright odds board, but can two-time winner Max Verstappen make a return to elite driver status after a tough start?
Odds to Win Miami Grand Prix
- George Russell +140
- Kimi Antonelli +150
- Oscar Piastri +650
- Lando Norris +1305
- Charles Leclerc +1405
- Lewis Hamilton +1550
- Max Verstappen +4050
Miami Grand Prix Betting Tips and Picks
Five drivers have combined to win the last 27 F1 races with the leader of the group boasting the longest odds of the quintet. The Miami track has treated Verstappen well in the past with wins in each of the first two Miami races. But Max has stumbled this season finishing no higher than sixth in any of his three starts with his odds currently the longest they’ve been in nearly a decade.
With new regulations in place it would behoove bettors to take a wait-and-see approach. With practice and qualifying rounds on Friday and Saturday, teams and drivers will learn more about their product. As a result so will those wagering on the outcome.
Historical data likely has less of an impact than short-term results under the current set up. A five week hiatus is also a cause for concern heading into an important race.
Mercedes has been dominant on the constructor side winning all three races so far this season. The price is steep for them to do it again sitting around -250. But backing Russell and Antonelli to finish first and second (in any order) is a better value bet for those banking on their continued success.
Earning the pole position is quite a big deal in F1 races. The pole sitter won each of the three races this season and dating back to the end of last season the pole winner has won 11 of the last 13 races.
There are multiple ways to wager on F1 races and F1 odds are available right now. Check out the various options and make your wagers today.
