The Formula 1 calendar is back in action this weekend with the Miami Grand Prix slated for Sunday, ending a month‑long hiatus since the last race. Organisers have had to reshuffle the timetable at the last minute because of an approaching thunderstorm system, moving the start time three hours earlier to 6 p.m. UK time (1 p.m. local Miami time) in an effort to dodge the heaviest rain.
World‑championship leader Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the main race, extending his six‑point advantage over his Mercedes teammate George Russell at the summit of the drivers' standings. Antonelli’s pole comes after a strong showing in the sprint race on Saturday, where McLaren locked out the top two spots, hinting that the five‑week development window since the Japanese Grand Prix has allowed teams to narrow the performance gap at the front of the grid. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen lines up second on the grid, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc occupies the third slot, setting the stage for a compelling showdown among the sport’s biggest names. The prospect of rain adds an extra layer of intrigue, especially because the brand‑new 2026 cars have yet to be tested in wet conditions, meaning drivers will have to adapt quickly to reduced grip and altered aerodynamics.
Miami’s street circuit, which entered the F1 roster in 2022, is renowned for its high‑speed sections and ample overtaking opportunities. The long straights feed into Turn 11 and Turn 17, two braking zones where drivers can attempt daring passes. However, the tight walls that line the track also mean that any mistake is quickly punished, demanding precision and confidence from every competitor.
Because of the forecasted thunderstorms, officials hope the earlier start will allow the race to finish before the most intense rainfall arrives in the afternoon. Fans should be prepared for a potentially changing track surface, which could influence tyre strategy and pit‑stop timing throughout the event. For viewers in the United Kingdom, Sky Sports provides comprehensive coverage from the first practice session on Friday afternoon right through to the race on Sunday. Sky Sports F1 will broadcast live on the main Sky Sports channel, and the Sky Sports app offers an on‑the‑go alternative, complete with a feature that lets you “ride along” with any driver of your choice.
If you are not a Sky subscriber, you can still watch the action via the NOW streaming service. NOW offers a day‑pass or a month‑pass with no long‑term contract, allowing you to stream all twelve Sky Sports channels, including Sky Sports F1, on more than 60 devices.
This flexibility means you can tune in from a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or smart TV without being tied to a traditional satellite subscription. In addition to the live broadcast, Sky Sports runs a dedicated F1 blog that provides minute‑by‑minute updates for fans who are on the move. Highlights will be uploaded to the Sky Sports app shortly after the checkered flag, so you can catch up on any missed action at your convenience.
Here is a quick rundown of the weekend’s schedule: - **Sunday, May 3 – 2:25 p.m. (UK):** Formula 2 Feature Race - **4:00 p.m.
(UK):** Miami GP build‑up show - **6:00 p.m. (UK):** The Miami Grand Prix (live on Sky Sports Main Event) - **8:00 p.m. (UK):** Post‑race reaction and analysis - **9:00 p.m. (UK):** “Ted’s Notebook” recap segment All times are listed in UK time; the local Miami start time is 1 p.m.
For the best viewing experience, Sky recommends using the Chrome browser, which provides a more accessible video player. If you need help with your Sky iD—whether you’re creating a new account or locating an existing one—Sky’s support pages offer step‑by‑step guidance. In summary, the Miami Grand Prix promises a thrilling mix of high‑speed street‑circuit action, a strategic battle against the elements, and a chance for the championship leaders to solidify their positions. Whether you watch via traditional Sky Sports, the Sky Sports app, or the contract‑free NOW service, you’ll be able to enjoy every moment of the race as the 2026 season continues to unfold in one of the sport’s most vibrant locations.