The Formula 1 calendar is back in action as the Miami Grand Prix rolls around this Sunday, ending a more than month‑long break without a race. Organisers have had to adjust the timetable at the last minute because of a looming thunderstorm, shifting the start of the main event forward by three hours. The race will now kick off at 6 p.m. UK time (1 p.m.
local time in Miami) in an effort to sidestep the worst of the rain and give teams a better chance of completing the full distance before the weather deteriorates. Leading the championship heading into the weekend is world‑leader Kimi Antonelli, who secured pole position for the Sunday Grand Prix.
Antonelli is eager to widen the narrow six‑point gap he holds over his teammate at Mercedes, George Russell, and to cement his grip on the top of the drivers' standings. Mercedes had dominated the opening three rounds of the 2026 season, but a dominant McLaren one‑two finish in Saturday’s Miami sprint race hinted that the upgrades introduced during the five‑week hiatus after the Japanese Grand Prix are beginning to narrow the performance disparity among the front‑runners.
After McLaren’s strong showing, Antonelli answered the challenge by taking pole for the full‑distance race. The grid behind him features a familiar mix of speed and experience: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen lines up second, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc occupies the third slot. This combination of talent promises a thrilling contest, especially given the ever‑present threat of rain.
The 2026 cars have yet to be tested in truly wet conditions, so any precipitation could add an extra layer of unpredictability to the competition. Miami’s street circuit, introduced to the F1 programme in 2022, is renowned for its blend of high‑speed sections and tight, technical corners that reward daring overtakes. The layout includes long straights that lead into heavy‑braking zones at Turn 11 and Turn 17, where drivers can attempt decisive passes. Because the track runs on city streets, the barriers are uncomfortably close; a single mistake can result in a costly collision, but a perfectly placed line along the curb can also yield a significant time advantage.
To help fans make the most of the weekend, Sky Sports has laid out a comprehensive viewing guide. Sky subscribers can tune into Sky Sports F1 from the opening practice session on Friday afternoon through to the race on Sunday.
The coverage will also be available on the Sky Sports app, where viewers can switch between on‑track action and onboard footage from any driver of their choosing. For those who do not have a Sky subscription, the NOW streaming service offers flexible options: a one‑day pass or a month‑long membership that can be cancelled at any time, providing contract‑free access to all twelve Sky Sports channels and the dedicated F1 feed.
In addition to the live broadcast, Sky Sports will provide a real‑time blog for fans on the move, offering minute‑by‑minute updates, pit‑stop analysis, and strategic insights. Highlights will be posted shortly after the checkered flag on the Sky Sports app, allowing viewers to catch up on key moments they might have missed. The platform also promotes the Sky iD service, which helps users locate or create their unique Sky identifier for a smoother login experience across devices. The weekend schedule is packed with supporting events.
The Formula 2 feature race is slated for 2.25 p.m. on Sunday, followed by a pre‑Grand Prix build‑up segment at 4 p.m.
The main race itself starts at 6 p.m., with post‑race analysis, the chequered‑flag celebration, and a special "Ted's Notebook" segment scheduled for the evening. All of these programmes will be broadcast on the Sky Sports Main Event channel.
For optimal viewing, the organizers recommend using the Chrome browser, which provides a more accessible video player and ensures smooth streaming performance. Whether you are a dedicated F1 enthusiast or a casual viewer curious about the latest developments in the sport, the Miami Grand Prix offers a perfect blend of high‑octane racing, strategic intrigue, and the potential drama of a weather‑affected showdown. Tune in via Sky Sports or the NOW service to experience the excitement as the 2026 season continues its global tour, with Miami serving as a vibrant showcase of speed, skill, and the ever‑evolving technology of Formula 1.