Formula 1 is back on the calendar with the Miami Grand Prix set for Sunday, ending a more than month‑long hiatus from racing. Organisers have had to make a last‑minute adjustment to the timetable because of an approaching thunderstorm threat.
To try and steer clear of the heaviest rain, the start time has been shifted three hours earlier – the race will now kick off at 6 p.m. UK time (1 p.m. local Miami time).
This move hopes to give drivers a window of dry conditions before the forecasted downpours roll in later in the afternoon. The pole position for the main event has been secured by the championship leader, Kimi Antonelli, who will line up at the front of the grid with the aim of widening his six‑point advantage over his Mercedes teammate George Russell. Antonelli’s performance in qualifying follows a strong showing in the sprint race on Saturday, where McLaren swept the top two spots, suggesting that the upgrades introduced during the five‑week break after the Japanese Grand Prix have begun to level the playing field at the front of the pack. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen qualified second, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took third, creating a tantalising mix of manufacturers and drivers for Sunday’s full‑distance showdown.
The presence of a variety of cars behind Antonelli – from the high‑downforce Red Bull to the balanced Ferrari – promises plenty of on‑track battles, overtaking opportunities and strategic intrigue, especially if rain does make an appearance. Miami is a relatively new addition to the F1 calendar, having joined the series in 2022.
The street circuit runs alongside the waterfront and features long straights that feed into a series of tight, technical corners. Turn 11 and Turn 17, in particular, are well‑known overtaking zones where drivers can carry a lot of speed onto heavy braking zones, making daring moves possible.
However, the close‑set walls of a street track mean that any mistake can be costly, as there is little runoff and the barriers are unforgiving. The 2026 season marks the debut of a brand‑new generation of F1 cars, and Miami could become the first wet‑weather test for these machines. The rain‑affected conditions would add another layer of drama, as teams and drivers adapt to the new aerodynamic packages, tyre choices and brake cooling strategies in real‑world wet conditions for the first time.
For fans eager to watch the race, Sky Sports offers several ways to tune in. Sky Sports F1 will broadcast all sessions, starting with Friday’s first practice, moving through qualifying, the sprint race on Saturday, and the Grand Prix itself on Sunday at 6 p.m. UK time.
Those with a Sky subscription can also stream the coverage via the Sky Sports app, which includes a feature that lets viewers select a driver’s onboard camera for a more immersive experience. If you are not a Sky customer, you can still watch via the NOW streaming service.
NOW provides contract‑free access to all twelve Sky Sports channels and the Sky Sports+ streams, allowing you to purchase a day pass or a month‑long membership that can be cancelled at any time. This flexibility makes it easy for occasional viewers to catch the action without committing to a long‑term contract.
In addition to live video, Sky Sports runs a dedicated F1 live blog that delivers minute‑by‑minute updates, results and analysis for those on the move. Highlights of the race will be posted shortly after the chequered flag on the Sky Sports app, giving fans a quick recap of the most exciting moments. Here is a quick rundown of the weekend schedule: - Sunday May 3 2:25 p.m.: F2 Feature Race - 4 p.m.: Miami GP build‑up shows - 6 p.m.: The Miami Grand Prix (live on Sky Sports Main Event) - 8 p.m.: Post‑race reaction and Chequered Flag analysis - 9 p.m.: Ted’s Notebook recap All times are listed in UK time. Viewers are advised to use the Chrome browser for the best video player experience on the Sky Sports website.
To get started with Sky Sports, you’ll need a Sky iD – either an existing one or you can create a new account following the Sky iD help guide. Once logged in, you can access the Sky Sports F1 channel, the app, or the NOW service, depending on your subscription preferences. In summary, the Miami Grand Prix promises a thrilling mix of high‑speed street‑circuit action, a strategic battle against the weather, and a showdown among the season’s top drivers.
Whether you are a long‑time F1 enthusiast or a newcomer to the sport, you can watch the race live on Sky Sports F1, stream via the NOW platform, or follow the live blog for real‑time updates. Don’t miss the chance to see how the new 2026 cars perform under pressure in Miami’s demanding environment, and enjoy the spectacle of one of the sport’s most exciting venues.