The Formula 1 season is back in full swing, and this Sunday marks the return of the Miami Grand Prix after a hiatus of more than a month without a race. Organisers have been forced to tweak the timetable at the last minute because of a looming thunderstorm threat.
To try to sidestep the worst of the inclement weather, the start time for the main event has been pulled forward by three hours, moving from its original slot to 6 p.m. UK time (which is 1 p.m. local Miami time). This shift aims to give the race the best possible chance of being completed before heavier rain moves in later in the afternoon.
The pole position for the full‑distance race has been secured by the world‑championship leader, Kimi Antonelli, who will be looking to stretch his six‑point advantage over his Mercedes teammate George Russell at the top of the drivers' standings. Antonelli’s pole follows a strong showing in the sprint race on Saturday, where McLaren swept the podium and demonstrated that the upgrades introduced during the five‑week break since the Japanese Grand Prix have tightened the competition at the front of the grid.
Behind Antonelli, the field is stacked with talent and intrigue. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen lines up second, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc occupies the third slot on the grid. Their presence promises an action‑packed Sunday, especially given the street‑circuit nature of the Miami track, which is notorious for its close walls and limited margin for error. Drivers must be precise and brave, as any misstep can result in a hard‑hit collision with the barriers, but the same proximity also offers opportunities for daring overtakes, particularly along the long straights that lead into Turn 11 and the sweeping Turn 17.
Rain is a wildcard that could dramatically reshape the race dynamics. The 2026 generation of F1 cars has yet to be tested in fully wet conditions, so teams will be gathering valuable data on tyre performance, aerodynamics, and driver feel as the rain begins to fall.
Even a brief drizzle could force strategic pit stops, change tyre choices, and potentially shuffle the order dramatically. The forecast suggests that the heaviest rain is expected later in the day, so the earlier start is a strategic move to capture as much of the race as possible under dry or only lightly damp conditions.
Miami’s inclusion on the F1 calendar began in 2022, and the circuit has quickly become a fan favourite thanks to its vibrant atmosphere and layout that encourages overtaking. The track runs along the city’s waterfront and incorporates a series of long, fast sections that feed into heavy braking zones, creating prime passing spots. The combination of high‑speed sections and tight corners means that drivers must balance outright speed with careful car placement, especially when the walls are just a few metres away. For viewers who want to follow every session, Sky Sports offers comprehensive coverage.
Sky customers can tune in to Sky Sports F1 from the first practice session on Friday afternoon right through to the race on Sunday. The broadcast will be available on the Sky Sports app as well, allowing fans to watch on a range of devices and even select a driver’s on‑board camera for a more immersive experience. If you are not a Sky subscriber, the race is still accessible via the NOW streaming service. NOW provides a contract‑free option that lets you stream all twelve Sky Sports channels, including Sky Sports F1, on over sixty devices.
You can purchase a day pass for a single event or a month‑long membership if you plan to watch multiple races. Both options can be cancelled at any time, giving you flexibility without a long‑term commitment.
In addition to the live broadcast, Sky Sports runs a dedicated F1 blog that offers real‑time updates, analysis, and highlights for fans on the move. After the checkered flag, highlights will be posted quickly on the Sky Sports app, so you can catch up on any action you missed. For those who prefer audio content, the "F1 Show" podcast provides in‑depth discussion and interviews surrounding the Miami Grand Prix and the wider championship.
Here’s a quick rundown of the weekend schedule: - Sunday, May 3 – 2:25 p.m.: Formula 2 Feature Race - 4:00 p.m.: Miami GP build‑up programming - 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" wrap‑up segment All of these segments will also be available on the Sky Sports app and the NOW platform. For the best viewing experience, especially for video streams, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser, which offers a more accessible player. In summary, the Miami Grand Prix promises a thrilling mix of high‑speed street‑circuit action, strategic intrigue due to the weather, and a battle for championship points among the sport’s top drivers. Whether you are a Sky subscriber, a NOW streaming customer, or simply following the live blog, there are plenty of ways to stay connected to the excitement.
Tune in at 6 p.m. UK time on Sunday to watch Kimi Antonelli defend his pole, see if Max Verstappen can challenge for the win, and enjoy the spectacle of Formula 1 racing in one of the sport’s most electrifying venues.