The Formula 1 circus is back on the calendar, with the Miami Grand Prix set to kick off on Sunday after a hiatus of more than a month without a race. Organisers have had to tweak the timetable at the last minute because of a looming thunderstorm threat, pulling the start time forward by three hours so the event now begins at 6 p.m.
UK time (1 p.m. local time).
The aim is to run the full distance before the heavier rain expected later in the afternoon can interfere with the action. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the main race, looking to stretch his six‑point advantage over his Mercedes teammate George Russell. Antonelli’s pole came after a dramatic Saturday Sprint, where McLaren locked out the top two spots, 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 grid. While Mercedes dominated the opening three rounds of the season, the Sprint results hinted that the battle for podiums could become tighter as the summer progresses.
The grid behind Antonelli is packed with intrigue. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen lines up second, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc occupies third. This trio of title‑contenders promises a thrilling showdown, especially with the ever‑present possibility of rain adding an extra layer of unpredictability.
The 2026 cars have yet to be tested in wet conditions, so drivers will need to adapt quickly to any damp patches that appear on the street‑circuit. Miami’s venue, only added to the F1 schedule in 2022, is renowned for its overtaking opportunities. The layout features long straights that feed into heavy braking zones at Turn 11 and Turn 17, where drivers can make decisive moves.
However, as a street circuit, the walls sit uncomfortably close to the racing line, meaning even a small mistake can result in a costly impact. Precision and bravery will be essential for anyone hoping to gain positions. For fans eager to watch the event, Sky Sports provides a range of options. Sky subscribers can tune in via the Sky Sports F1 channel, which will broadcast everything from Friday’s first practice session through to the Sunday race.
The Sky Sports app also offers live streaming, complete with a feature that lets viewers “go onboard” with any driver, giving a cockpit‑level perspective of the action. If you don’t have a Sky subscription, the NOW streaming service is a viable alternative.
NOW offers a contract‑free day pass or month‑long membership that grants access to all twelve Sky Sports channels, including Sky Sports F1, and more than 60 devices. This flexibility means you can watch the race on a phone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV without being locked into a long‑term contract. In addition to live coverage, Sky Sports runs a dedicated F1 blog that provides minute‑by‑minute updates for those on the move. Highlights are posted shortly after the checkered flag on the Sky Sports app, allowing viewers to catch up on key moments they might have missed.
For deeper analysis, the network also produces podcasts such as The F1 Show, which discuss strategy, driver performance, and technical developments. The weekend schedule is packed: - Sunday 2:25 p.m.: Formula 2 Feature Race - 4 p.m.: Miami GP build‑up programming - 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" – a wrap‑up segment Viewers are advised to use the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience. Sky customers can also access the race via the Sky Sports app, where they can switch between camera angles or select a driver’s onboard feed.
Non‑Sky customers should consider a NOW Day or Month pass, which can be purchased instantly and cancelled at any time. Overall, the Miami Grand Prix promises a mix of high‑speed drama, strategic intrigue, and the ever‑present threat of weather‑related chaos. Whether you’re a die‑hard fan tracking the championship battle between Antonelli, Verstappen, and Leclerc, or a casual viewer attracted by the spectacle of a street‑circuit showdown, Sky Sports offers multiple ways to experience the race live. Don’t miss the chance to see the 2026 season’s next chapter unfold under the Miami sun, with the added excitement of a potential rain‑shower that could test the brand‑new cars in conditions they have never encountered before.