The Formula 1 calendar is back in action with the Miami Grand Prix set for Sunday, ending a month‑long lull in racing. Organisers have announced a last‑minute adjustment to the weekend timetable because of a looming thunderstorm threat. To sidestep the heaviest rain, the start time for the main race has been shifted three hours earlier, now kicking off at 6 p.m. UK time (1 p.m.
local Miami time). This strategic move aims to give the drivers a better chance of completing the event before the forecasted downpours arrive in the afternoon.
Leading the championship, Kimi Antonelli will line up on pole for the full‑distance race. Antonelli, who currently enjoys a six‑point advantage over his Mercedes teammate George Russell, is looking to cement his position at the top of the standings. After Mercedes dominated the first three rounds of the season, a surprise one‑two finish for McLaren in Saturday’s Miami Sprint suggested that the five‑week development window since the Japanese Grand Prix has narrowed the performance gap among the front‑running teams. Antonelli’s pole position is a direct response to McLaren’s strong showing, and the grid behind him promises plenty of excitement.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will start second, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will occupy third place. The mixture of cars and driving styles across the top three spots should produce an engaging battle for track supremacy on Sunday. Rain remains a wildcard that could dramatically alter the race dynamics.
The 2026 generation of F1 cars has yet to compete in wet conditions, meaning drivers will have to adapt quickly to reduced grip and altered aerodynamics. The possibility of a wet track adds an extra layer of drama, especially on a street circuit where the barriers are unforgiving and any mistake can be costly.
Miami entered the F1 calendar in 2022, and its layout is renowned for providing ample overtaking opportunities. The long straights feed into a series of braking zones, notably at Turn 11 and Turn 17, where drivers can attempt daring passes. Because the circuit is built on city streets, the walls sit close to the racing line, rewarding precision while punishing errors. The revised schedule for Sunday, May 3, looks as follows: - 2:25 p.m.
– Formula 2 Feature Race - 4:00 p.m. – Pre‑race build‑up coverage - 6:00 p.m.
– Miami Grand Prix (live on Sky Sports Main Event) - 8:00 p.m. – Post‑race reaction and analysis - 9:00 p.m. – "Ted's Notebook" commentary segment Sky Sports viewers can tune in via several platforms.
Sky customers have access to the race on the Sky Sports F1 channel from Friday’s practice sessions through Sunday’s Grand Prix. The Sky Sports app also streams the event, with an interactive feature that lets fans virtually “ride along” with any driver of their choice. For those without a Sky subscription, the NOW streaming service offers flexible, contract‑free options: a one‑day pass or a month‑long membership that can be cancelled at any time. NOW provides all twelve Sky Sports channels and the Sky Sports+ streams, compatible with over 60 devices.
In addition to live television coverage, fans on the move can follow a dedicated F1 live blog that provides minute‑by‑minute updates, insights, and behind‑the‑scenes content. Highlights of the race become available shortly after the chequered flag on the Sky Sports app, allowing viewers to catch up on key moments they might have missed. For Sky subscribers who need assistance with their account, Sky iD support is available to help locate or create an iD. The NOW service’s contract‑free model means users can experiment with a day pass for a single event or commit to a month if they plan to watch multiple races, with pricing details listed on the NOW website.
Overall, the Miami Grand Prix promises a thrilling showdown, especially with the early start designed to dodge the worst of the weather. Whether you are a die‑hard fan tracking the championship battle between Antonelli, Russell, Verstappen, and Leclerc, or a casual viewer drawn by the street‑circuit spectacle, Sky Sports offers multiple ways to watch the action live. Don’t miss the chance to see the 2026 cars tackle Miami’s fast‑paced layout for the first time under potentially wet conditions – a historic moment for the sport and a test of driver skill and team strategy alike.