The opening hour for Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix has been shifted three hours earlier because of an anticipated thunderstorm system moving across Florida. Originally slated to begin at 9 p.m. UK time (4 p.m.
local), the race officials – including the FIA and Formula 1’s commercial arm – announced after Saturday’s qualifying that the start would now be at 6 p.m. UK time (1 p.m. Miami time). This adjustment was made in response to meteorological models that predict rain in the early morning, followed by increasingly severe thunderstorms from mid‑afternoon onward, persisting into the evening.
Florida’s safety statutes require that any outdoor sporting event be halted the moment thunder is heard, with a mandatory pause until at least thirty minutes have passed since the last lightning strike. To comply with these regulations and to give the Grand Prix the greatest possible window for a safe, uninterrupted run, the organisers issued a joint statement: “After consultations among the FIA, FOM and the Miami promoter, we have decided to move the start of Sunday’s race to 1 p.m.
local time because the forecast calls for heavier rainstorms later in the afternoon, close to the original start time. This change aims to minimise disruption, maximise the time available to complete the event under optimal conditions, and prioritise the safety of drivers, spectators, teams and staff.” The qualifying session on Saturday saw Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli clinch pole position, edging out a resurgent Max Verstappen of Red Bull who finished second. Antonelli’s pole is notable because he has struggled with his launch technique this season, having dropped from second to fourth on the first lap of the Saturday sprint. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism about a potential rolling start if the rain persists, telling Sky Sports F1: “If it’s a rolling start, it removes the standing‑start element, which could be beneficial in wet conditions.
We’ll see what the timing looks like and hope we can avoid chaotic conditions.” Rain‑affected races present a unique set of challenges for the brand‑new 2026 cars, which have undergone a major aerodynamic overhaul. Certain performance‑enhancing systems such as Straight‑Line Mode – which opens the front and rear wings on the straights to reduce drag – and Boost Mode – which provides an extra 350 kW of power out of corners – are prohibited in wet conditions. This means drivers must rely on conventional downforce and tyre grip, making car control even more critical.
The Miami event follows a recent precedent: the FIA also moved the start time of the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix forward when a similar weather threat emerged. Both instances underscore how flexible scheduling has become a tool for preserving the integrity of the championship when nature intervenes.
Given that the 2026 season has featured only three races with the new machinery, most drivers have had limited exposure to these cars in the rain. Antonelli admitted that many competitors, himself included, have “very little experience” with wet‑weather handling of the new platform.
He added, “If it does get slippery, it will be a fresh challenge for everyone because we haven’t had many opportunities to test in those conditions.” Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who will line up on the front row for the first time this year, reflected on his sparse wet‑weather practice: “I drove in the wet in Barcelona during pre‑season, but it was just me and Charles that day. It was quite lonely and definitely a handful. We’ll have to see how much water actually falls, because that makes a huge difference.” McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, starting from seventh, joked that the team might need to “build some oars” to navigate the potential deluge.
He noted, “Everyone has been talking about the forecast all weekend. If it’s wet, it throws a lot of spanners in the works because no one has really driven these cars in the rain before. Hopefully we’ll be on the right side of it.” Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, occupying the sixth slot on the grid, brings a comparatively richer wet‑weather résumé.
He spent two full days in bespoke rain‑testing at Pirelli’s Fiorano facility during the mandatory April break, supplementing a full day of wet practice in Barcelona. Hamilton told the press in Miami, “I’ve done more wet testing than probably ever before – a whole day in Barcelona and two days at Fiorano. It’s not fun, but it gives you a feel for the limits of the car.” The revised schedule for the weekend now reads as follows: Sunday, May 3 – 2:25 p.m.
F2 Feature Race; 4:00 p.m. build‑up coverage; 6:00 p.m. the Miami Grand Prix proper; 8:00 p.m.
post‑race reaction and chequered‑flag analysis; 9:00 p.m. “Ted’s Notebook” commentary.
All of these segments will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and can be streamed via NOW with a flexible, no‑contract subscription. In summary, the decision to advance the race start is a proactive measure designed to sidestep the worst of the forecasted thunderstorms, protect all participants, and preserve as much racing action as possible. With the pole‑sitter eager for a rolling start, teams grappling with limited wet‑weather data, and fans awaiting a dramatic showdown under potentially soggy conditions, the Miami Grand Prix promises to be a pivotal moment in the 2026 Formula 1 campaign.