The Formula 1 season is back in full swing with the Miami Grand Prix set to kick off on Sunday, ending a month‑long lull in racing action. Organisers have had to adjust the timetable at the last minute because of an approaching thunderstorm, moving the start time three hours earlier to 6 p.m.
UK time (1 p.m. local Miami time) in an effort to steer clear of the heaviest rain. This shift means fans can expect a race that runs before the worst of the weather arrives, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the weekend.
World championship leader Kimi Antonelli will line up on pole for the main event, looking to stretch his six‑point advantage over his Mercedes teammate George Russell. Antonelli secured his front‑row start after a strong performance in the sprint race on Saturday, where McLaren claimed a one‑two finish that hinted at the impact of the upgrades introduced during the five‑week break since the Japanese Grand Prix. Those upgrades appear to have narrowed the gap at the front of the grid, promising a tighter battle for podium positions.
The sprint race also set the stage for a compelling line‑up on Sunday. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will start second, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will occupy the third slot. With such a mix of manufacturers and driving styles, the race is poised to deliver plenty of on‑track drama. Adding to the excitement is the looming possibility of rain, which will be a true test for the brand‑new 2026 cars that have yet to be run in wet conditions.
Drivers will need to quickly find the limit of grip on a slick surface, and teams will have to make rapid strategic calls regarding tyre choices and pit‑stop timing. Miami entered the F1 calendar in 2022, and its street‑circuit layout is renowned for offering multiple overtaking opportunities.
The long straights feed into heavy braking zones at Turn 11 and Turn 17, where drivers can attempt daring passes. However, the circuit’s close‑set walls also mean that any mistake can be costly – a single misjudged entry can end a driver’s race in the barriers.
Mastering the balance between aggression and precision will be essential, especially if the forecasted thunderstorms bring intermittent rain showers. For viewers in the United Kingdom, Sky Sports provides comprehensive coverage of the entire weekend. Sky customers can tune into Sky Sports F1 from the first practice session on Friday afternoon through to the Grand Prix on Sunday. The broadcast will also be available via the Sky Sports app, which offers an interactive experience where fans can select different camera angles and even follow their favourite driver’s on‑board feed.
If you are not a Sky subscriber, you can still watch the action through the NOW streaming service. NOW offers a flexible, contract‑free option with either a day‑pass or a month‑pass, allowing you to stream all twelve Sky Sports channels and the Sky Sports+ streams on more than 60 devices. This means you can catch the race on a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or smart TV without being tied to a long‑term contract. The service also includes a live blog for those on the move, providing minute‑by‑minute updates, race statistics, and expert commentary.
In addition to the live broadcast, Sky Sports will publish highlights shortly after the chequered flag on the Sky Sports app, so you can relive the key moments of the race at your convenience. For those who want to dive deeper into the weekend’s events, the network also offers The F1 Show podcast, which features interviews with drivers, engineers, and analysts discussing strategy, performance, and the impact of the weather on the race. Here is a quick rundown of the weekend’s schedule: - **Friday**: First practice session (live on Sky Sports F1) - **Saturday**: Sprint race – McLaren’s one‑two finish set the tone for a competitive Sunday - **Sunday**: - 2:25 p.m.
– F2 Feature Race - 4:00 p.m. – Miami GP build‑up programme - 6:00 p.m. – The Miami Grand Prix (live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports F1) - 8:00 p.m. – Post‑race reaction and analysis - 9:00 p.m.
– Ted’s Notebook recap All times are listed in UK local time unless otherwise noted. The broadcast will also be accessible via the Sky Sports app, which offers a seamless viewing experience across devices.
For the best video quality, Sky recommends using the Chrome browser on desktop computers. To get started with Sky Sports, you’ll need a Sky iD account.
If you don’t already have one, the Sky iD help page provides step‑by‑step instructions for creating or retrieving your login details. Once logged in, you can explore the various subscription options, including the NOW day‑pass or month‑pass, which give you immediate access to the race without a long‑term commitment.
In summary, the Miami Grand Prix promises a thrilling blend of high‑speed street‑circuit action, a strategic battle against the elements, and a tightly contested fight for championship points. Whether you are a die‑hard fan watching via Sky Sports F1, a casual viewer streaming through NOW, or someone catching up via highlights and podcasts, there are plenty of ways to stay engaged with every twist and turn of the weekend.
Don’t miss the chance to see the new 2026 cars tested in potentially wet conditions for the first time – it could be a defining moment for the season and a showcase of driver skill under pressure. For more details on the full 2026 F1 calendar, subscription pricing, and how to access the live stream, visit the Sky Sports website or the NOW service page. Enjoy the race!