Formula 1 is back on the calendar this weekend, with the Miami Grand Prix set to kick off on Sunday after a hiatus of more than a month. Organisers have been forced to adjust the timetable at the last minute because of an approaching thunderstorm, moving the start time three hours forward to 6 p.m.
UK time (1 p.m. local) in an effort to steer clear of the worst weather. The pole position for the main race has been claimed by championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who will be looking to stretch his six‑point advantage over his Mercedes teammate George Russell. 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 break after the Japanese Grand Prix have narrowed the gap at the front of the field.
Antonelli’s pole lap was a strong response to McLaren’s sprint success, but the grid behind him is stacked with talent: Max Verstappen lines up second for Red Bull, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc occupies third. The mix of manufacturers and driver styles promises a thrilling showdown, especially with the ever‑present threat of rain adding an extra layer of uncertainty. The 2026‑spec cars have yet to be tested in wet conditions, so any precipitation could produce unpredictable handling and strategy challenges.
Miami entered the F1 calendar in 2022, and its street‑circuit layout is renowned for providing ample overtaking opportunities. The long straights feed into Turn 11 and Turn 17, where drivers can dive down the inside and make decisive passes. However, the proximity of the barriers means that a single mistake can end a race instantly, so precision is as important as speed. Because of the forecasted thunderstorms, officials hope the earlier start will allow the race to run its full distance before heavier rain arrives in the afternoon.
The revised schedule looks like this: - 2.25 p.m. (UK) – F2 Feature Race - 4 p.m.
– Miami GP build‑up programme - 6 p.m. – The Miami Grand Prix itself (live on Sky Sports Main Event) - 8 p.m. – Post‑race reaction and chequered‑flag analysis - 9 p.m. – "Ted's Notebook" recap Fans are encouraged to view the broadcast using Google Chrome for the most reliable video player experience.
How to watch: * Television – Sky subscribers can tune into Sky Sports F1 from Friday’s first practice session through to the Sunday race. * Mobile & desktop app – The Sky Sports app also carries the live feed, and it even offers a feature that lets you follow a specific driver’s onboard camera.
* Streaming – If you don’t have a Sky subscription, you can still watch via the NOW platform, which provides a day‑pass or a month‑to‑month membership with no long‑term contract. * Live blog – For those on the move, a dedicated F1 blog provides minute‑by‑minute updates throughout the weekend. * Highlights – Sky Sports makes race highlights available shortly after the checkered flag on its app, free of charge for subscribers. Sky Sports customers also have access to Sky iD support, which helps you locate or create your Sky iD for a seamless login.
NOW, the instant‑streaming service, gives you access to all twelve Sky Sports channels, every Sky Sports+ stream, and a host of additional content across more than 60 devices. Membership is contract‑free, allowing you to cancel at any time, and you can choose between a daily or monthly pass depending on your viewing needs.
In summary, the Miami Grand Prix marks the resumption of the 2026 Formula 1 season, and the race promises high‑octane action, strategic intrigue, and the potential for rain‑induced drama. Whether you watch on a television screen, via the Sky Sports app, or through the NOW streaming service, you’ll be able to follow every twist and turn of the competition. Tune in at 6 p.m.
UK time on Sunday, May 3, and enjoy the spectacle of F1’s newest street circuit under the Florida sun.