Formula 1 is back on the calendar this Sunday, with the Miami Grand Prix marking the first race after a month‑long hiatus. Organisers have had to reshuffle the timetable at the last minute because of a looming thunderstorm threat. To sidestep the worst of the rain, 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 early kick‑off aims to give drivers a better chance of completing the full distance before heavier showers roll in during the afternoon.
The pole‑sitter for the main event is world‑championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who will line up at the front of the grid looking to stretch his six‑point advantage over his Mercedes teammate George Russell. Antonelli’s pole position follows a strong showing in the sprint race on Saturday, where McLaren locked out the top two spots, suggesting that the upgrades introduced during the five‑week break since the Japanese Grand Prix have begun to close the gap to the dominant Mercedes outfit, which swept the first three rounds of the season.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen starts second, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc occupies the third slot, setting the stage for a tightly contested battle among the sport’s biggest names. The mixture of front‑running machinery – from the hybrid‑powered Mercedes and Ferrari to the turbo‑charged Red Bull – promises a varied and exciting race, especially with the ever‑present possibility of rain adding an extra layer of drama. The 2026 cars have never been tested in wet conditions, so drivers will need to adapt quickly to the changing grip levels.
Miami’s street circuit, which entered the F1 schedule in 2022, is renowned for its long straights and a series of tight corners that create numerous overtaking opportunities. Turn 11 and Turn 17, in particular, are famous for late‑braking passes after the high‑speed sections. However, the proximity of the barriers means that any mistake is punished severely, demanding precision and confidence from every competitor.
The revised schedule for Sunday, May 3, looks as follows: - 2:25 p.m. – Formula 2 Feature Race - 4:00 p.m.
– Build‑up shows and analysis for the Grand Prix - 6:00 p.m. – The Miami Grand Prix (live on Sky Sports Main Event) - 8:00 p.m. – Post‑race reaction and the chequered‑flag interview segment - 9:00 p.m. – "Ted’s Notebook" recap and highlights Fans can watch the action in several ways.
Sky Sports subscribers have full access to every session, from Friday’s first practice through to Sunday’s race, via the Sky Sports F1 channel. The same coverage is available on the Sky Sports app, which also offers a unique feature that lets viewers pick a driver’s onboard camera for a more immersive experience. For those who do not have a Sky subscription, the NOW streaming service provides a flexible alternative. NOW offers both day‑pass and month‑pass options with no long‑term contract, allowing viewers to stream the race live on over 60 devices.
The service includes all twelve Sky Sports channels and the Sky Sports+ streams, making it a comprehensive solution for casual fans and die‑hard enthusiasts alike. In addition to live video, Sky Sports maintains a real‑time blog that delivers minute‑by‑minute updates for anyone on the move. After the race, highlights are uploaded to the Sky Sports app shortly after the checkered flag, giving viewers a quick way to catch up on the most exciting moments. If you need help accessing the service, Sky provides a guide to creating or locating your Sky ID, which is required for login across all platforms.
The NOW app also includes a straightforward sign‑up process, and its contract‑free model means you can cancel at any time if you only want to watch the Miami event. Overall, the Miami Grand Prix promises a thrilling weekend of high‑speed action, strategic pit stops, and the ever‑present uncertainty of weather.
With a reshuffled start time, a competitive grid featuring Antonelli, Verstappen, Leclerc, and Russell, and a street circuit that rewards bold moves while punishing errors, fans have plenty to look forward to. Whether you’re a Sky Sports subscriber, a NOW streaming user, or simply following the live blog, there are multiple ways to stay connected to the excitement as the 2026 Formula 1 season continues its journey through the United States.