The Formula 1 calendar is back in action this weekend with the Miami Grand Prix set to roll out on Sunday, ending a more than month‑long hiatus since the last race. Organisers have had to adjust the timetable at the last minute because of an approaching thunderstorm system, shifting the start of the main event three hours earlier to 6:00 p.m. UK time (1:00 p.m. local Miami time).
This pre‑emptive move is intended to get the bulk of the racing done before the heaviest rain is expected to arrive in the afternoon, adding an extra layer of strategic intrigue for teams and drivers alike. Leading the championship, Kimi Antonelli sits atop the standings with a six‑point advantage over his Mercedes teammate George Russell. Antonelli secured pole position for the full‑distance race, reinforcing his intent to stretch that lead after a strong showing in the sprint that preceded the Grand Prix.
The sprint, held on Saturday, saw a McLaren one‑two finish, hinting that the five‑week development window since the Japanese Grand Prix has allowed several teams to bring significant upgrades that could tighten the competition at the front of the pack. Behind Antonelli, the grid is stacked with talent.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen lines up second, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc occupies the third spot on the starting grid. The mixture of established champions and hungry challengers promises a highly entertaining showdown on the streets of Miami. Adding to the excitement is the ever‑present possibility of rain, which will be the first time the brand‑new 2026 specification cars have been tested in wet conditions.
Drivers will need to adapt quickly to reduced grip, and teams will have to decide on the optimal tyre strategy under uncertain weather. Miami’s street circuit, introduced to the F1 calendar in 2022, is renowned for its long straights and a series of tight corners that create ample overtaking opportunities.
The layout encourages bold moves, especially at the end of the long back‑straight where drivers can carry high speed into Turn 11, and later into Turn 17, which is a classic braking zone for passing attempts. However, the proximity of the concrete barriers means that any mistake is severely punished – precision and confidence are essential. For fans wanting to watch the race, Sky Sports offers several options. Sky subscribers can tune in to Sky Sports F1 for all the action, from Friday’s first practice session through to the Sunday race.
The coverage also includes the F2 Feature Race at 2:25 p.m., a build‑up programme at 4:00 p.m., and post‑race analysis segments such as the Chequered Flag reaction at 8:00 p.m. and Ted’s Notebook at 9:00 p.m., all broadcast on the Sky Sports Main Event channel.
If you prefer streaming, the NOW service provides contract‑free access to all twelve Sky Sports channels and the Sky Sports+ streams. NOW offers both day‑pass and month‑pass memberships, allowing non‑Sky customers to watch the Grand Prix without a long‑term commitment. The service works across more than 60 devices, and you can sign up instantly via the app.
Detailed information about pricing and membership options is available on the NOW website. Mobile viewers can also stay updated through the Sky Sports app, which includes live streaming, a live blog for real‑time updates, and highlights that become available shortly after the checkered flag.
The app even lets you choose a driver to follow, giving you a personalised feed of on‑track action and team radio. In addition to the race itself, Sky Sports provides a range of supplementary content: the F1 Show podcast for deeper analysis, a WhatsApp channel for quick news bites, and a Sky iD help guide for account management. All of these resources are designed to enhance the viewing experience for both die‑hard enthusiasts and casual followers. To summarise, the Miami Grand Prix promises a compelling mix of high‑speed street‑circuit racing, a potential rain‑affected showdown, and a championship battle that could see Antonelli extend his lead or face a strong challenge from Russell, Verstappen, and Leclerc.
With the start time moved forward to avoid the worst of the weather, fans can look forward to a full‑throttle race that showcases the new 2026 cars in action for the first time under possibly wet conditions. Whether you watch on a television, via the Sky Sports app, or stream through NOW, you’ll have plenty of ways to catch every overtaking maneuver, pit‑stop drama, and podium celebration as the season continues to unfold in Miami.