Formula 1 returns to action on Sunday with the Miami Grand Prix, ending a hiatus of more than a month without a race. Organisers have had to adjust the timetable at the last minute because of a looming thunderstorm threat. To try to stay ahead of the worst weather, the start time has been pushed forward by three hours, moving the green flag to 6 p.m.
UK time (1 p.m. local Miami time).
This shift aims to give the drivers a better chance of completing the full distance before heavier rain is expected to arrive later in the afternoon. The pole position for the main event will be occupied by world‑championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who will line up at the front of the grid after securing the fastest lap in qualifying. Antonelli currently enjoys a six‑point advantage over his Mercedes teammate George Russell, and he will be looking to extend that margin and cement his place at the top of the standings. Mercedes dominated the opening three rounds of the 2026 season, but a strong one‑two finish for McLaren in Saturday’s sprint race hinted that the competitive gap may be narrowing after the five‑week break since the Japanese Grand Prix.
The sprint result suggested that the upgrades introduced during that interval have begun to pay off, tightening the battle for podium places. Even though Antonelli clinched pole for the full‑distance race, the rest of the field promises plenty of intrigue.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will line up second, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will occupy the third slot on the grid. With such a high‑calibre line‑up behind the leader, Sunday’s race is set to deliver plenty of on‑track action, strategic overtakes, and potential surprises. Adding to the drama is the possibility of rain at some point during the event.
The 2026 cars are brand‑new, and none of them have yet been tested in wet conditions, meaning that drivers will need to quickly adapt to a slippery surface while teams work out the optimal tyre strategy. Miami entered the Formula 1 calendar in 2022, and its street‑circuit layout is renowned for offering multiple overtaking opportunities. The long straights that lead into Turn 11 and the tight hairpin at Turn 17 provide prime spots for drivers to make decisive moves.
However, the circuit’s close‑set barriers also mean that any mistake can be costly, as the walls leave little room for error. Mastery of the track therefore requires a blend of aggression and precision; drivers must be bold enough to attack the corners while staying within a few inches of the concrete limits.
The forecast of thunderstorms for Sunday prompted the three‑hour advancement of the start time to 6 p.m. UK time (1 p.m. local). Organisers hope the race can be concluded before the heaviest rainfall arrives in the afternoon, reducing the risk of a red‑flag interruption.
Fans are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for the most reliable video playback experience, as the streaming platform performs best on that browser. The weekend schedule is packed with supporting events. At 2.25 p.m.
on Sunday, the Formula 2 feature race will take place, followed by a build‑up show at 4 p.m. that previews the Grand Prix. The main race kicks off at 6 p.m., with post‑race analysis, a chequered‑flag reaction segment at 8 p.m., and a final wrap‑up called "Ted’s Notebook" at 9 p.m., all of which will also be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event. Viewing options are varied: * **Television** – Sky subscribers can watch the entire weekend, from Friday’s first practice session through to the Sunday race, on the Sky Sports F1 channel.
* **App** – The Sky Sports mobile app offers live streaming for Sky customers, complete with an on‑screen driver‑tracker that lets viewers follow any competitor of their choice. * **Streaming** – Non‑Sky customers can still access the action via the NOW streaming service. NOW offers flexible, contract‑free passes, either on a day‑by‑day basis or as a monthly subscription, allowing viewers to cancel at any time. * **Live Blog** – For those on the move, a dedicated F1 live‑blog provides minute‑by‑minute updates throughout the weekend.
* **Highlights** – After the checkered flag, Sky Sports makes race highlights available shortly thereafter on its app, so fans can catch up on key moments even if they missed the live broadcast. Sky Sports subscribers also benefit from additional tools such as Sky ID assistance, which helps users locate or create their Sky ID for seamless login across devices.
The NOW platform, which powers the streaming service, grants access to all twelve Sky Sports channels, every Sky Sports+ stream, and a suite of extra features. It works on more than 60 different devices, making it easy to watch from a phone, tablet, smart TV, or computer. Membership is contract‑free, with the option to cancel at any time, and users can choose between a daily pass or a monthly plan depending on their viewing habits. In summary, the 2026 Formula 1 season resumes in Miami on Sunday, with the Grand Prix slated for 6 p.m.
UK time. Whether you prefer traditional TV, a mobile app, or an online stream, Sky Sports provides multiple ways to watch the race live. For those without a Sky subscription, the NOW streaming service offers a flexible, no‑contract alternative. With a strong field, potential rain, and a track that rewards both daring overtakes and disciplined driving, the Miami Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling showcase of the new‑generation F1 cars and the talent behind the wheel.