The Formula 1 circus is back in action, with the Miami Grand Prix set to roll out on Sunday after a hiatus of more than a month without a championship round. Organisers have been forced to adjust the timetable at the last minute because of an approaching thunderstorm threat.
To steer clear of the worst of the weather, the start time has been pulled 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 race a better chance of running to the finish line before heavier rain arrives later in the afternoon. Leading the championship, Kimi Antonelli will line up on pole for the main race. The young driver is looking to stretch his six‑point advantage over his Mercedes teammate George Russell and keep his grip on the top of the standings.
Mercedes dominated the opening three rounds of the season, but a strong McLaren one‑two finish in Saturday’s sprint race in Miami hinted that the development work carried out during the five‑week break since the Japanese Grand Prix has begun to close the gap at the front of the grid. Antonelli answered the sprint challenge by securing pole for the full‑distance event, while a solid line‑up of rivals will line up behind him. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will start second, and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will occupy the third slot.
Their presence promises a lively contest, especially given the street‑circuit nature of the Miami track, where overtaking opportunities abound along the long straights and into the heavy braking zones at Turns 11 and 17. Rain is expected to make an appearance at some stage, adding another layer of intrigue. The 2026 cars are brand‑new and have yet to be tested in wet conditions, so drivers will need to adapt quickly to reduced grip and changing visibility.
The combination of a potentially slippery surface and the tight, unforgiving barriers that line a street circuit means that any mistake could be costly, but it also creates chances for bold moves if a driver can hug the walls with precision. Miami entered the F1 calendar in 2022, and its layout has quickly become a fan favourite because of the high‑speed sections that feed into heavy‑brake corners, providing multiple overtaking spots. The race weekend schedule is packed with action: the Friday practice sessions kick off the weekend, followed by qualifying on Saturday, the sprint race, and finally the Grand Prix on Sunday. For those following the event, Sky Sports offers a range of ways to watch.
Sky Sports subscribers can tune in to Sky Sports F1 for every on‑track session, from the first practice on Friday afternoon through to the race itself on Sunday at 6 p.m. UK time.
The broadcast is also available via the Sky Sports app, which lets fans choose their favourite driver’s on‑board camera for a more immersive experience. If you don’t have a Sky subscription, you can still stream the action through the NOW platform, which offers flexible day‑or‑month passes with no long‑term contract. NOW provides access to all twelve Sky Sports channels and the Sky Sports+ streams, and it can be used on more than 60 different devices.
In addition to live coverage, Sky Sports runs a dedicated F1 live blog for those on the move, delivering minute‑by‑minute updates, timing screens and social media highlights. After the checkered flag, highlights will be posted quickly on the Sky Sports app so you can catch up on any moments you missed.
For viewers who need a more accessible video player, Sky recommends using the Chrome browser. The broadcast schedule for Sunday, May 3, includes a 2:25 p.m. F2 Feature Race, a 4 p.m. pre‑race build‑up show, the Grand Prix at 6 p.m., an 8 p.m.
reaction segment titled "Chequered Flag," and a 9 p.m. analysis slot called "Ted's Notebook," all of which also appear on the Sky Sports Main Event channel. If you are new to Sky’s ecosystem, you’ll need a Sky ID to log in.
The Sky ID can be created or retrieved via Sky’s help pages. Once you have it, you can access the Sky Sports app or the NOW streaming service. NOW offers both contract‑free month and day memberships, allowing you to cancel at any time if you only want to watch the Miami Grand Prix.
In summary, the Miami Grand Prix promises an exciting showdown with a reshuffled grid, a potential rain‑affected race, and plenty of overtaking chances on a vibrant street circuit. Whether you are a Sky Sports subscriber, a NOW streaming customer, or simply following the live blog, there are multiple ways to experience the drama as the 2026 Formula 1 season continues its return to Miami.
Stay tuned, keep an eye on the weather updates, and enjoy the high‑octane action on Sunday at 6 p.m. UK time.