Formula 1 is back on the calendar, with the Miami Grand Prix set to roll out on Sunday after 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 stay ahead of the worst of the weather, the start time has been shifted three hours earlier, now kicking off at 6 p.m.
UK time (1 p.m. local Miami time). This early start should give the event a better chance of running to the checkered flag before heavier rain arrives later in the afternoon. The pole position for the full‑distance race has been claimed by championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who will be looking to widen the six‑point advantage he holds over his Mercedes teammate George Russell.
Antonelli’s pole lap follows a dominant performance in the sprint race on Saturday, where McLaren secured a one‑two finish and hinted that the upgrades introduced during the five‑week break after the Japanese Grand Prix have begun to tighten the competition at the front of the grid. Behind Antonelli, the grid is stacked with familiar faces and strong contenders. Max Verstappen, the Red Bull driver who has been a constant presence on the podium, lines up second, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc occupies third. The mixture of Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes and the resurgent McLaren cars promises a lively and unpredictable race, especially given the street‑circuit nature of the Miami venue, where the walls sit close to the racing line and any mistake can be costly.
Miami’s street circuit, which first appeared on the F1 calendar in 2022, is celebrated for its overtaking opportunities. The layout features long straightaways that feed into heavy braking zones at Turn 11 and Turn 17, creating prime spots for drivers to out‑brake each other and make bold moves.
However, the proximity of the barriers also means that precision is essential; a small error can end a driver’s day in an instant. Weather will be a major factor on race day. Forecasts predict thunderstorms at some point on Sunday, and the decision to move the start earlier was taken to try to avoid the heaviest rain. Should rain fall during the race, it will be the first time the brand‑new 2026 F1 cars have been tested in wet conditions, adding an extra layer of drama.
Teams will have to quickly adapt their strategies, tyre selections and car setups to cope with a potentially slippery track. For fans wanting to watch the action live, Sky Sports offers several options.
Sky customers can tune in via the Sky Sports F1 channel, which will broadcast every session from the opening practice on Friday afternoon through to the Grand Prix on Sunday. The Sky Sports app also provides a streaming alternative, complete with an on‑board camera feature that lets viewers see the race from a driver’s perspective.
If you don’t have a Sky subscription, the NOW streaming service is available on a contract‑free basis. NOW offers a day pass or a month‑to‑month membership, giving you access to all twelve Sky Sports channels, including Sky Sports F1, as well as the Sky Sports+ streams. The service works on more than 60 devices, so you can watch from a phone, tablet, laptop or smart TV.
Membership can be cancelled at any time, making it a flexible choice for occasional viewers. In addition to the live broadcast, Sky Sports provides a live blog for those on the move, offering minute‑by‑minute updates, key moments and commentary throughout the weekend. Highlights will be uploaded to the Sky Sports app shortly after the chequered flag, allowing fans to catch up on any action they missed.
Here’s a quick rundown of the weekend schedule: - **Sunday, May 3 – 2:25 p.m. (UK):** F2 Feature Race - **4:00 p.m. (UK):** Miami GP build‑up shows and analysis - **6:00 p.m. (UK) / 1:00 p.m.
(Miami):** The Miami Grand Prix starts on Sky Sports F1 - **8:00 p.m. (UK):** Post‑race reaction and Chequered Flag analysis - **9:00 p.m. (UK):** “Ted’s Notebook” recap segment All of the above programming will also be available on Sky Sports Main Event for those who prefer a single‑channel experience. Technical note: For the best video experience, Sky recommends using the Chrome browser, which provides a more accessible and reliable player.
To summarise, the Miami Grand Prix promises an exciting blend of high‑speed street‑circuit action, a competitive grid topped by Kimi Antonelli’s pole position, and the added intrigue of potential rain testing the new 2026 machinery. Whether you are a Sky subscriber, a NOW streaming customer, or simply following the live blog, there are plenty of ways to stay connected to every twist and turn of the race. Get ready for a thrilling Sunday, and enjoy the spectacle of Formula 1 back in action this weekend.