Formula One returns to the spotlight this Sunday with the Miami Grand Prix, marking the first race after a month‑long hiatus. Organisers have been forced to tweak the timetable at the last minute because of an approaching thunderstorm threat. To sidestep the heaviest rain, 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 adjustment aims to give drivers a better chance of completing the event before the forecasted downpours set in during the afternoon. The pole position belongs to championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who will line up at the front of the grid seeking to widen his six‑point advantage over his Mercedes teammate George Russell. Antonelli’s pole came after a strong showing in the sprint race on Saturday, where McLaren swept the top two spots, suggesting that the five‑week development window since the Japanese Grand Prix has allowed teams to close the performance gap that Mercedes initially enjoyed.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will start second, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc occupies the third slot, promising a dynamic battle among the sport’s biggest names. The presence of rain‑affected conditions adds another layer of intrigue, as the brand‑new 2026 cars have yet to be tested in wet weather.
Drivers will need to adapt quickly to changing grip levels, and teams will be forced to make strategic tyre choices on the fly. Miami entered the F1 calendar in 2022, and its street‑circuit layout is renowned for providing ample overtaking opportunities.
The long straights leading into Turn 11 and the sweeping Turn 17 are prime zones for high‑speed passes, while the tight walls that line the course punish any mis‑calculation. Precision is essential; the slightest error can send a car into the barriers, but the same proximity to the edge can also enable daring moves for those who can keep the car balanced. For fans eager to watch the race, Sky Sports offers several avenues. Sky subscribers can tune in on Sky Sports F1 from the opening practice session on Friday afternoon through to the main event on Sunday.
The Sky Sports app also streams the coverage, giving viewers the option to follow their favourite drivers from any device. Those without a Sky subscription can still access the action via the NOW streaming platform, which provides day‑pass or month‑pass options with no long‑term contract required.
NOW grants instant access to all twelve Sky Sports channels and the Sky Sports+ streams, and it works across more than sixty different devices. In addition to live TV, Sky Sports maintains a dedicated F1 blog that delivers real‑time updates for fans on the move. After the race, highlights are posted promptly on the Sky Sports app, allowing viewers to catch up on key moments shortly after the chequered flag.
For those who enjoy deeper analysis, The F1 Show podcast offers expert commentary and behind‑the‑scenes insights. The weekend schedule is packed: the F2 Feature Race begins at 2.25 p.m. on Sunday, followed by a build‑up segment at 4 p.m.
The Miami Grand Prix itself starts at 6 p.m., with post‑race reaction and analysis airing at 8 p.m., and a special "Ted's Notebook" segment at 9 p.m. All of these programmes are also available on Sky Sports Main Event for those who prefer a single channel feed. Technical notes for the best viewing experience recommend using the Chrome browser to ensure the video player functions smoothly.
Sky customers can also set up a Sky iD, which simplifies login across services, and can find guidance on creating or retrieving their iD through Sky’s support pages. In summary, the Miami Grand Prix promises a thrilling mix of high‑speed street‑circuit action, strategic intrigue due to the looming weather, and a competitive field featuring the sport’s top talent. Whether you are a long‑time follower of Formula 1 or a newcomer looking to experience the excitement, Sky Sports and NOW provide flexible options to watch the race live, catch up on highlights, or dive into in‑depth analysis. Don’t miss the chance to see the 2026 season’s next chapter unfold in the vibrant streets of Miami, with all the drama, speed, and skill that define modern Formula 1.