The Formula 1 calendar 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 avoid the worst of the weather, the start time has been shifted three hours earlier, moving the kickoff to 6 p.m. UK time (1 p.m. local Miami time). This early start aims to give the event a better chance of running its full distance before heavier rain is expected later in the afternoon.
Leading the championship, Kimi Antonelli will line up on pole for the main race. The Italian driver is looking to stretch his six‑point advantage over his Mercedes teammate George Russell, who sits second in the drivers' standings. Mercedes dominated the opening three rounds of the 2026 season, but a strong McLaren one‑two finish in Saturday's sprint race at Miami suggested that the development work carried out during the five‑week break after the Japanese Grand Prix is beginning to tighten the competition at the front of the grid. Antonelli answered the McLaren challenge by securing pole for the full‑distance race, while the rest of the field is stacked with high‑profile challengers.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will start from second place and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will occupy the third slot, promising a thrilling battle among the sport’s biggest names. The prospect of rain adds another layer of intrigue, as the brand‑new 2026 cars have yet to be tested in wet conditions, meaning drivers will have to adapt quickly to reduced grip and changing track temperatures. Miami entered the F1 schedule in 2022, and its street‑circuit layout is renowned for providing ample overtaking opportunities. The long straights feed into heavy braking zones at Turn 11 and Turn 17, where drivers can attempt daring passes.
However, the close proximity of the walls means that any mistake is likely to be punished severely; precision and confidence are essential when hugging the barriers at high speed. The revised timetable for Sunday, May 3, is as follows: the F2 Feature Race will begin at 2:25 p.m., followed by a pre‑race build‑up show at 4 p.m. The Miami Grand Prix itself will start at 6 p.m.
UK time, 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 these programmes will also be available on Sky Sports Main Event for viewers who prefer the traditional broadcast. For Sky Sports subscribers, the entire weekend is accessible across multiple platforms. The first practice session on Friday afternoon can be watched on Sky Sports F1, and the race on Sunday will be streamed live on the same channel.
The Sky Sports app offers an additional way to follow the action, with the unique feature of allowing viewers to select a driver’s onboard camera for a more immersive experience. If you are not a Sky customer, you can still watch the race via the NOW streaming service. NOW provides a contract‑free option, allowing you to purchase either a day pass or a month‑long membership that can be cancelled at any time.
This service gives you access to all twelve Sky Sports channels, including Sky Sports+, and works on over 60 different devices, making it easy to tune in from a phone, tablet, computer, or smart TV. For those on the move, a live blog will be updated throughout the weekend, delivering real‑time commentary, timing data, and race‑related news. Highlights will be uploaded to the Sky Sports app shortly after the chequered flag, so you can catch up on any missed moments. Additional resources include a Sky iD guide to help you locate or create your Sky identity, as well as detailed information about NOW membership pricing and benefits.
The service is marketed as an instant streaming platform that eliminates the need for a long‑term contract, appealing to fans who prefer flexibility. In summary, the 2026 Formula 1 season resumes in Miami with a race that promises excitement, strategic intrigue, and the added drama of potential rain.
Whether you are a Sky Sports subscriber, a NOW streaming user, or simply following the live blog, there are numerous ways to experience the Grand Prix. Mark your calendar for Sunday, May 3, at 6 p.m.
UK time and enjoy the high‑octane action as the world’s top drivers tackle the challenging Miami street circuit.