The Formula 1 season is back in action with the Miami Grand Prix set to take place on Sunday, 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 avoid the heaviest rain, the start time has been moved forward by three hours, now kicking off at 6 p.m.
UK time (1 p.m. local Miami time).
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 top of the drivers' standings. Mercedes dominated the opening three rounds of the 2026 campaign, but a McLaren one‑two finish in Saturday's sprint race in Miami hinted that the upgrades introduced during the five‑week break after the Japanese Grand Prix have tightened the competition at the front of the grid.
Antonelli answered the sprint challenge by securing pole for the full‑distance event, but the starting grid behind him promises plenty of excitement. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will occupy second place, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will line up third, setting the stage for a thrilling battle among the sport’s biggest names. The possibility of rain at some point during the weekend adds another layer of drama.
The 2026 cars are brand‑new, and none of them have yet been tested in wet conditions, meaning drivers will have to quickly adapt if the forecasted showers arrive. Miami’s street circuit, which joined the F1 calendar in 2022, is renowned for its overtaking opportunities. The long straights feed into Turn 11 and Turn 17, where heavy braking zones often produce daring passes. However, the close‑set walls of a street track mean that any mistake can be costly, and precision is essential.
Because of the thunderstorm forecast, officials hope the race can be completed before the heavier rain expected later in the afternoon. The earlier start should give the event a better chance of running its full distance without a red flag interruption. For fans who want to watch the action live, Sky Sports provides several options.
Sky subscribers can tune in to Sky Sports F1 from the first practice session on Friday afternoon through to the Grand Prix on Sunday. The race will also be available on the Sky Sports app, where viewers can choose to follow any driver’s on‑board camera feed for a more immersive experience. If you don’t have a Sky subscription, you can still stream the weekend via NOW, the instant‑streaming service that offers all twelve Sky Sports channels and the Sky Sports+ streams. NOW operates on a contract‑free basis, allowing you to purchase a day pass or a month‑long membership that can be cancelled at any time.
This flexibility makes it easy for occasional viewers to catch the race without committing to a long‑term contract. In addition to the live broadcast, Sky Sports runs a dedicated F1 live‑blog for those on the move, providing minute‑by‑minute updates, timing data, and commentary.
Highlights will be uploaded to the Sky Sports app shortly after the checkered flag falls, so you can relive the key moments even if you miss the live feed. Here’s a quick rundown of the weekend schedule: - Sunday, May 3 – 2:25 p.m.: Formula 2 Feature Race - 4:00 p.m.: Miami GP build‑up show - 6:00 p.m.: The Miami Grand Prix (live on Sky Sports F1) - 8:00 p.m.: Post‑race reaction and chequered‑flag analysis - 9:00 p.m.: “Ted’s Notebook” recap All of the above programming will also be available on Sky Sports Main Event for those who prefer a single channel feed.
To get the best viewing experience, Sky recommends using the Chrome browser for its video player, which offers improved accessibility and smoother playback. If you need help with your Sky ID, the provider offers a simple guide on how to locate or create your login credentials. Once you have your Sky ID, you can access the Sky Sports app on over 60 devices, from smartphones and tablets to smart TVs and gaming consoles.
In summary, the Miami Grand Prix promises an action‑packed Sunday with a reshuffled start time, a pole‑position showdown between Antonelli, Verstappen, and Leclerc, and the ever‑present threat of rain testing the brand‑new 2026 cars. Whether you’re a Sky subscriber, a NOW user, or just a casual fan following the live blog, there are plenty of ways to stay connected to every twist and turn of the race.