F1 Is Back! How to Catch the Miami Grand Prix on Sky Sports

Formula 1 is making its return after a month‑long hiatus, kicking off the 2026 campaign with a thrilling Sprint weekend in Miami. The excitement is palpable as the series shifts gears back onto the streets of the Sunshine State, offering fans a blend of high‑speed drama and strategic intrigue.

At the top of the Drivers' Championship, Kimi Antonelli has seized the lead with consecutive victories in China and Japan, holding a nine‑point cushion over his Mercedes teammate George Russell. Antonelli's rapid ascent has added a fresh narrative to a season that has already seen Mercedes dominate the opening three rounds. However, the regulatory tweaks introduced during the five‑week break, combined with a flurry of upgrades that every team will unveil in Miami, could reshuffle the hierarchy. Ferrari and McLaren are eager to prove they have narrowed the gap to the Silver Arrows.

Lando Norris, in particular, returns to the circuit where he celebrated his maiden Grand Prix win in 2024, hoping to replicate that success. Oscar Piastri, who almost halted Mercedes’ winning streak in Japan, was thwarted by an ill‑timed safety‑car deployment.

Nonetheless, the fast‑starting Ferraris are expected to be competitive, giving Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton renewed chances to climb onto the podium. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen finds himself sitting ninth in the standings, a surprising dip for the reigning champion. He has recently hinted at contemplating his future in the sport, sparking speculation about his reaction to the upcoming power‑unit regulation changes and whether his earlier threat to quit remains sincere. All eyes will be on his comments and performance in Miami.

Because this is a Sprint event, the weekend’s schedule is compressed. There will be a single practice session on Friday, followed directly by Sprint Qualifying later that evening. The remainder of the weekend will feature the Sprint race on Saturday and the full Grand Prix on Sunday, delivering nonstop action for fans.

**2026 F1 Calendar Overview** - The full race schedule is now live, with Miami slotting in as the second Sprint weekend of the year. - Fans can stream every race without a long‑term contract via the NOW platform. - The official F1 Show podcast provides in‑depth analysis and behind‑the‑scenes stories.

- Sky Sports also offers a WhatsApp service for quick updates. The five‑week pause between races has led to an extended Friday practice session—90 minutes instead of the usual 60—starting at 5 p.m. UK time.

This extra time gives teams a valuable window to test new parts and fine‑tune setups for the demanding street circuit. Miami entered the F1 calendar in 2022, and its layout is renowned for providing ample overtaking opportunities.

The long straights feed into Turn 11 and Turn 17, where drivers can execute daring passes. As a street track, the barriers sit close to the racing line, meaning any mistake is quickly penalised, but the reward for precision is a faster lap.

Weather forecasts predict a dry, hot weekend with temperatures hovering around 28 °C across Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The heat will test tyre management and driver endurance, adding another layer of strategy. **Key Broadcast Times** - Thursday 30 April 7 p.m.: Drivers' Press Conference; 10 p.m.: Paddock Uncut.

- Friday 1 May 2.25 p.m.: F2 Practice; 4.30 p.m.: Miami GP Practice One (starts at 5 p.m.); 7.25 p.m.: F2 Qualifying; 8.10 p.m.: Team Bosses' Press Conference; 8.40 p.m.: Miami GP Sprint Qualifying (starts at 9.30 p.m.). - Saturday 2 May 2.55 p.m.: F2 Sprint; 4 p.m.: Miami GP Sprint build‑up; 5 p.m.: MIAMI GP SPRINT; 6.30 p.m.: Ted's Sprint Notebook; 8 p.m.: Miami GP Qualifying build‑up; 9 p.m.: MIAMI GP QUALIFYING; 11 p.m.: Ted's Qualifying Notebook.

- Sunday 3 May 5.25 p.m.: F2 Feature Race; 7 p.m.: Miami GP build‑up: Grand Prix; 9 p.m.: THE MIAMI GRAND PRIX; 11 p.m.: Miami GP reaction: Chequered Flag; 12 a.m.: Ted's Notebook. All of the highlighted sessions are also broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event.

**How to Watch** - **Television**: Sky subscribers can tune into Sky Sports F1 from the opening practice on Friday afternoon through to the Grand Prix on Sunday at 9 p.m. - **App**: The Sky Sports app allows customers to watch live coverage and even select a driver’s on‑board camera for a more immersive experience. - **Streaming**: Non‑Sky viewers can access the action via a NOW Day pass or a flexible month‑to‑month subscription, both of which are contract‑free and cancellable at any time. - **Live Blog**: For those on the move, a dedicated F1 live blog provides minute‑by‑minute updates throughout the weekend.

- **Highlights**: Sky Sports app users receive rapid‑turnaround highlight reels shortly after the checkered flag. Sky Sports subscribers also benefit from Sky iD support, helping them locate or create their Sky iD credentials. **About NOW** NOW is an instant‑streaming service that grants access to all twelve Sky Sports channels, every Sky Sports+ stream, and a host of additional content.

The app works on over 60 devices, offering a contract‑free model where users can cancel whenever they wish. Membership options include a monthly or daily pass, with current pricing available on the NOW website.

In summary, the Miami Grand Prix promises a packed weekend of high‑octane racing, strategic battles, and plenty of drama both on and off the track. Whether you are a die‑hard fan tracking the championship battle, a casual viewer curious about the latest regulation changes, or simply looking for top‑quality sports entertainment, Sky Sports and NOW provide multiple ways to experience the action. Get ready for a weekend of speed, skill, and spectacle as Formula 1 roars back onto the streets of Miami.