Formula 1 is back on the calendar with the Miami Grand Prix set to roll out on Sunday, ending a month‑long pause in the championship. The weekend has already seen a last‑minute adjustment to the timetable because forecasters warned of thunderstorms. To sidestep the worst of the rain, the organisers have pulled the start time forward by three hours, moving the green flag to 6 p.m.
UK time (1 p.m. local Miami time). This shift aims to give the race a clear window before heavier showers are expected to arrive later in the afternoon.
The pole‑sitter for the main race will be world‑championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who clinched the top spot in qualifying and now looks to stretch his six‑point advantage over his Mercedes teammate George Russell. Antonelli’s performance follows a dominant start to the season for Mercedes, who have taken the first three races. However, the McLaren one‑two finish in the Saturday sprint hinted that the five‑week development break after the Japanese Grand Prix has tightened the competition at the front of the grid.
McLaren’s strong sprint result forced the leading teams to reassess their setups, and Antonelli answered by securing pole for the full‑distance event. Behind him, the field is stacked with high‑profile challengers: Max Verstappen lines up second for Red Bull, while Charles Leclerc occupies third for Ferrari. Their presence promises a lively battle for podium places and plenty of on‑track drama, especially given the unpredictable weather conditions. Rain has always added an extra layer of intrigue to Formula 1, and this weekend will be the first time the brand‑new 2026 cars will be tested in wet conditions.
The new aerodynamic packages, tyre constructions and hybrid power units have yet to prove their grip on a slick surface, so teams will be watching the forecast closely and may opt for early tyre changes if the drizzle intensifies. Miami entered the F1 schedule in 2022, and its street‑circuit layout is renowned for offering multiple overtaking opportunities. The long straights feed into Turn 11 and Turn 17, where drivers can dive down the inside line or use the slipstream to gain positions. Because the circuit hugs the city’s waterfront, the barriers are unforgiving; a single mistake can end a driver’s race, yet the same proximity to the walls rewards precision and bravery.
The weekend programme is packed with additional sessions for fans. The schedule reads as follows: - Sunday, May 3 – 2:25 p.m.: Formula 2 Feature Race - 4:00 p.m.: Miami GP build‑up coverage - 6:00 p.m.: The Miami Grand Prix (live on Sky Sports Main Event) - 8:00 p.m.: Post‑race reaction and Chequered Flag analysis - 9:00 p.m.: "Ted’s Notebook" recap All of these broadcasts will be available on Sky Sports Main Event, with a recommendation to use the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience. How to watch: * Television – Sky subscribers can tune into Sky Sports F1 from the first practice session on Friday afternoon through to the Sunday race at 6 p.m. * Mobile & tablet – The Sky Sports app lets customers follow the action on the go, with an optional feature that lets you virtually sit in the cockpit of any driver.
* Streaming – If you don’t have a Sky subscription, you can still stream the weekend via the NOW service. NOW offers a day‑pass or a month‑pass with no long‑term contract, allowing you to cancel at any time. * Live blog – For those on the move, a dedicated F1 blog provides minute‑by‑minute updates, photos and key moments throughout the weekend.
* Highlights – Sky Sports will upload race highlights to its app shortly after the checkered flag falls, so you can catch the most exciting moments even if you missed the live broadcast. Sky Sports subscribers also have access to Sky iD support, which helps you locate or create your Sky iD for seamless login across devices. NOW, the instant streaming platform, gives you access to all twelve Sky Sports channels, every Sky Sports+ stream and additional on‑demand content.
The service works on more than 60 devices, making it easy to watch from a phone, tablet, laptop or smart TV. Membership is contract‑free, with flexible day or month options; the latest pricing can be found on the NOW website.
In summary, the 2026 Formula 1 season resumes in Miami with a race that promises high‑speed action, strategic tyre choices, and the ever‑present threat of rain. Whether you’re a Sky Sports subscriber, a NOW streaming user, or simply following the live blog, there are plenty of ways to stay connected to every twist and turn of the Miami Grand Prix. Tune in at 6 p.m. UK time on Sunday, May 3, and enjoy the spectacle of modern Formula 1 racing in one of the sport’s most vibrant street circuits.