The Formula 1 circus is set to roll back into Miami this Sunday, ending a more than month‑long hiatus in the championship calendar. Organisers have been forced to tweak the timetable at the last minute because of an approaching thunderstorm threat.
To sidestep the worst of the inclement weather, the start time for the main race has been pulled forward by three hours, now kicking off at 6 p.m. UK time (1 p.m.
local Miami time). This shift aims to give the event a clear window before heavier rain is expected to move in later in the afternoon. World championship leader Kimi Antonelli will line up on pole for the full‑distance Grand Prix, looking to stretch his six‑point advantage over his Mercedes teammate George Russell at the top of the standings. Antonelli’s pole position follows a strong showing in the sprint race on Saturday, where McLaren secured a one‑two finish, suggesting that the upgrades introduced during the five‑week break since the Japanese Grand Prix have begun to level the playing field at the front of the pack.
The sprint result also set the stage for an intriguing grid for Sunday’s main event. Max Verstappen, the Red Bull driver who has dominated the opening three rounds of the season, will start from second place, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc occupies the third slot.
With such a blend of manufacturers and driver talent lining up behind Antonelli, fans can anticipate a highly competitive and unpredictable race. Rain will likely play a decisive role in the proceedings. The 2026 specification cars are brand‑new and have yet to be tested in wet conditions, meaning teams will have to adapt quickly to reduced grip and changing track temperatures.
The prospect of a damp circuit adds an extra layer of drama, as drivers will need to balance aggression with caution while navigating a street layout that leaves little margin for error. Miami entered the F1 calendar in 2022, and its circuit is renowned for offering ample overtaking opportunities. The long straights feed into a series of heavy braking zones, particularly around Turn 11 and the tight Turn 17 complex, where drivers can attempt daring passes. However, the street nature of the track also means that the barriers are unforgiving; a single misstep can end a driver’s race instantly.
Mastery of the circuit therefore demands precision, bravery, and an intimate knowledge of the wall‑to‑wall limits. For viewers, Sky Sports provides several ways to watch the action live. Sky subscribers can tune into Sky Sports F1, which will broadcast every session from Friday's first practice through to the Sunday race. The coverage is also available via the Sky Sports app, where fans can enjoy an interactive experience, including on‑screen driver telemetry and the option to follow a specific driver’s perspective.
If you are not a Sky customer, the NOW streaming platform offers a flexible alternative. NOW operates on a contract‑free basis, allowing you to purchase either a day pass or a month‑long membership that grants access to all twelve Sky Sports channels, including Sky Sports F1, and the Sky Sports+ streams.
This means you can watch the Miami Grand Prix without committing to a long‑term contract, and you can cancel at any time if your plans change. In addition to the live broadcast, Sky Sports runs a dedicated F1 live blog that provides minute‑by‑minute updates, key moments, and analysis for fans on the move. Highlights will be uploaded to the Sky Sports app shortly after the checkered flag, so you can relive the most exciting overtakes, pit‑stop strategies, and any weather‑related twists. The weekend schedule is packed: - Sunday, May 3 – 2:25 p.m.
(UK): Formula 2 Feature Race - 4:00 p.m.: Miami GP build‑up show - 6:00 p.m.: The Miami Grand Prix (live on Sky Sports F1 and NOW) - 8:00 p.m.: Post‑race reaction and analysis - 9:00 p.m.: “Ted’s Notebook” recap segment All of these programmes will also be simulcast on Sky Sports Main Event for broader accessibility. For the best viewing experience, Sky recommends using the Chrome browser to access the video player, ensuring smooth playback and full‑screen capabilities.
To get started with Sky Sports, you’ll need a Sky ID. If you don’t already have one, the Sky iD help page walks you through the process of creating or locating your ID, which is required for login across the Sky Sports app and website. In summary, the Miami Grand Prix promises a thrilling blend of high‑speed street racing, strategic battles, and the added intrigue of potential rain.
Whether you’re a die‑hard fan tracking the championship battle between Antonelli, Russell, Verstappen, and Leclerc, or a casual viewer looking for top‑quality sports entertainment, Sky Sports and the NOW streaming service provide multiple avenues to enjoy the race live, without the need for a long‑term contract. Tune in at 6 p.m.
UK time on Sunday, May 3, and experience the excitement of Formula 1’s newest season as it unfolds on the vibrant streets of Miami.