The Formula 1 calendar is back in action this weekend as the Miami Grand Prix rolls around on Sunday, ending a more than month‑long hiatus without a race. 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 an effort to steer clear of the heaviest rain. This shift aims to give drivers a better chance of completing the full distance before the forecasted downpours arrive in the afternoon. World championship leader Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the main event, extending his six‑point advantage over his Mercedes teammate George Russell at the top of the standings. Antonelli’s pole follows a dominant performance by Mercedes in the opening three rounds of the season, but a surprising McLaren one‑two in Saturday’s sprint race at Miami hinted that the five‑week development window since the Japanese Grand Prix has allowed rivals to close the gap at the front of the pack.
The grid behind Antonelli is packed with talent: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen lines up second, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc occupies third. Their presence promises a thrilling battle for podium places, especially given the street‑circuit nature of the Miami track, where walls sit uncomfortably close to the racing line and any mistake is quickly punished. Drivers must balance aggression with precision, threading the needle between the barriers to maintain competitive lap times.
Miami’s circuit, added to the F1 schedule in 2022, is renowned for its overtaking opportunities. Long straights feed into heavy braking zones at Turn 11 and the tight hairpin at Turn 17, creating prime spots for daring passes.
The layout’s blend of high‑speed sections and technical corners tests both the car’s aerodynamic efficiency and the driver’s skill, especially under variable weather conditions. The looming threat of rain adds another layer of intrigue; the 2026 cars have yet to be proven in wet conditions, so teams will be watching tire choices and strategy closely. For fans wanting to watch the action, Sky Sports provides several ways to tune in.
Sky customers can follow the entire weekend—from Friday’s first practice session through to the Sunday race—on Sky Sports F1. The broadcast will also be available via the Sky Sports app, which offers an interactive experience, including the ability to select a driver’s on‑board camera feed. Those without a Sky subscription can still catch the race by streaming through the NOW platform, which offers flexible day‑or‑month passes with no long‑term contract.
NOW gives instant access to all twelve Sky Sports channels and the Sky Sports+ streams, and it works across more than 60 devices. In addition to the live broadcast, Sky Sports runs a dedicated F1 blog that provides real‑time updates for viewers on the move. After the checkered flag, highlights will be uploaded to the Sky Sports app shortly, allowing fans to relive the most exciting moments.
The service also includes a Sky iD help section for new users needing assistance with account creation or login. The weekend schedule is packed: the F2 Feature Race kicks off at 2.25 p.m., followed by a build‑up show at 4 p.m. The Miami Grand Prix itself starts at 6 p.m., 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 airing on Sky Sports Main Event.
Viewers are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for the most reliable video player experience. Overall, the Miami Grand Prix offers a perfect blend of high‑octane racing, strategic intrigue, and the drama of unpredictable weather. Whether you’re a die‑hard F1 enthusiast or a casual viewer, Sky Sports and the NOW streaming service provide multiple avenues to experience every twist and turn of this exciting race weekend.