The Formula 1 calendar is back in action this weekend with the Miami Grand Prix set to roll out on Sunday, ending a more than month-long pause in racing. Organisers have had to adjust the timetable at the last minute because of a looming thunderstorm threat, moving the start time three hours earlier to 6 p.m. UK time (1 p.m. local Miami time) in hopes of sidestepping the worst of the inclement weather.
World championship leader Kimi Antonelli will line up on pole for the main race, looking to stretch his six‑point advantage over his Mercedes teammate George Russell at the summit of the drivers' standings. Mercedes had dominated the opening three rounds of the season, but a McLaren one‑two finish in Saturday's sprint race in Miami suggested that the upgrades introduced during the five‑week inter‑mission since the Japanese Grand Prix have begun to close the gap at the front of the pack. Antonelli answered the challenge by securing pole for the full‑distance event, while a strong supporting line‑up promises an exciting showdown.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will start second, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc occupying third on the grid. The mixture of top‑team machinery behind the pole sitter hints at plenty of on‑track action, especially if the forecasted rain adds another layer of unpredictability.
It will also be one of the first occasions that the brand‑new 2026 F1 cars are tested in wet conditions, a scenario that could reveal how the latest aerodynamic and tyre packages perform when the track gets slippery. Miami entered the F1 schedule in 2022 and the street circuit has quickly earned a reputation for providing ample overtaking opportunities.
The layout features long straights that feed into heavy braking zones at Turn 11 and the complex at Turn 17, where drivers can attempt bold passes. However, the circuit’s tight walls mean that any mistake is likely to be punished severely; precision and confidence are essential to stay on the limit without crashing into the barriers. The decision to move the start time forward was driven by the forecast of thunderstorms later in the afternoon. By kicking off the race at 6 p.m.
UK time, officials hope to complete the event before the heavier rain arrives, reducing the chance of a red‑flag situation or a race finish under safety‑car conditions. Should the rain still materialise, it will add drama and test the drivers’ skill in adapting to a changing grip level, especially with the brand‑new 2026 spec cars that have not yet been run in the wet. For fans wishing to watch the action, Sky Sports offers several options.
Sky customers can tune in via the Sky Sports F1 channel, beginning with Friday's first practice session and continuing through qualifying and the race itself on Sunday. The Sky Sports app also provides a seamless viewing experience, allowing subscribers to follow the race from any compatible device and even select a driver’s onboard camera for a more immersive perspective. If you are not a Sky subscriber, the NOW streaming service gives you the flexibility to watch the Grand Prix without a long‑term contract. NOW offers both day‑pass and month‑pass options, letting you pay only for the period you need.
The service includes all twelve Sky Sports channels and the full suite of Sky Sports+ streams, accessible on over 60 different devices. This contract‑free model is ideal for occasional viewers who want to catch the race live and then switch off. In addition to the live broadcast, Sky Sports provides a live blog for those on the move, offering minute‑by‑minute updates, key moments, and expert commentary. After the checkered flag, highlights will be available shortly on the Sky Sports app, giving you the chance to re‑watch the most exciting overtakes, pit‑stop strategies, and any rain‑induced drama.
Here is a quick rundown of the weekend schedule: - Sunday, May 3 – 2:25 p.m. (local): F2 Feature Race - 4:00 p.m.: Miami GP build‑up show - 6:00 p.m.: The Miami Grand Prix (live on Sky Sports F1 and NOW) - 8:00 p.m.: Post‑race reaction and analysis - 9:00 p.m.: "Ted's Notebook" recap segment All of these programmes will also be simulcast on Sky Sports Main Event for broader accessibility. For the best viewing experience, Sky recommends using the Chrome browser to access the video player, ensuring smooth playback and full‑screen functionality. To summarise, the Miami Grand Prix promises a blend of high‑speed street‑circuit action, a strategic battle among the season’s frontrunners, and the added intrigue of potential rain.
Whether you are a Sky subscriber, a NOW streaming customer, or simply following the live blog, there are plenty of ways to stay connected to the excitement as the 2026 Formula 1 season resumes in sunny Florida.