The Formula 1 calendar is back in action with the Miami Grand Prix set for Sunday, ending a month‑long pause in the championship. Organisers have announced a late‑notice adjustment to the race timetable because of a looming thunderstorm threat. To sidestep the heaviest rain, the start time has been pulled forward by three hours, moving the green flag to 6 p.m.
UK time (which is 1 p.m. local Miami time). This shift aims to give drivers the best possible chance of completing the full distance before the forecasted downpours arrive in the afternoon. Leading the drivers’ standings, Kimi Antonelli heads into the event with a six‑point cushion over his Mercedes teammate George Russell.
Antonelli clinched pole for the sprint race on Saturday, and he has now secured the top spot for the main Grand Prix as well. His strong qualifying performance puts him in a prime position to extend his lead, though the field behind him is anything but quiet.
Max Verstappen, the Red Bull star, qualified second, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took third. With such a high‑profile trio lining up on the front row, spectators can expect a thrilling showdown that will test both speed and strategy. Mercedes dominated the opening three rounds of the 2026 season, but the McLaren one‑two finish in the Miami sprint hinted that the competitive gap may be narrowing.
The five‑week interval since the Japanese Grand Prix has allowed teams to introduce upgrades, and those improvements appear to be paying off, especially for the midfield contenders. McLaren’s strong sprint result suggests they have found a package that can challenge the traditional front‑runners, and the full‑length race will reveal whether those gains translate into a podium finish. Rain will add another layer of intrigue. The 2026 cars are brand‑new, featuring a suite of aerodynamic and mechanical changes designed to improve performance, but they have yet to be tested in wet conditions.
Drivers will need to adapt quickly to reduced grip, and teams will have to decide the optimal moment to switch to intermediate or full‑wet tyres. The possibility of a wet race could shuffle the order dramatically, rewarding those who excel in changing conditions.
Miami’s street circuit, which entered the F1 roster in 2022, is renowned for its high‑speed sections and ample overtaking opportunities. The layout includes long straights that feed into heavy braking zones at Turn 11 and Turn 17, where drivers can attempt daring passes.
However, the proximity of the concrete barriers means that any mistake is punished instantly, demanding razor‑sharp precision from every competitor. The combination of fast‑track sections and tight walls creates a unique blend of risk and reward that often produces memorable moments.
For fans who want to watch the action live, Sky Sports offers several ways to tune in. Sky customers can follow the entire weekend—from Friday’s first practice session through to the Sunday race—on Sky Sports F1. The broadcast will also be available via the Sky Sports app, which includes a feature that lets viewers “go onboard” with any driver, providing a personalized perspective of the race.
If you don’t have a Sky subscription, the NOW streaming service provides a flexible alternative. NOW offers both day‑pass and month‑pass options with no long‑term contract, allowing viewers to cancel at any time. The service gives access to all twelve Sky Sports channels, including Sky Sports F1, and can be streamed on more than sixty devices.
This makes it easy to catch the race on a smartphone, tablet, or computer, especially for those on the move. In addition to the live broadcast, Sky Sports maintains a dedicated F1 blog that delivers real‑time updates, analysis, and race‑by‑race commentary. After the checkered flag, highlights will be uploaded to the Sky Sports app, enabling fans to relive the most exciting moments shortly after the race concludes.
Here’s a quick rundown of the weekend’s schedule: - **Sunday, May 3 – 2:25 p.m. (UK):** Formula 2 Feature Race - **4:00 p.m. (UK):** Miami GP build‑up program - **6:00 p.m.
(UK) / 1:00 p.m. (Miami):** The Miami Grand Prix (live on Sky Sports F1) - **8:00 p.m.
(UK):** Post‑race reaction and analysis - **9:00 p.m. (UK):** “Ted’s Notebook” – a deeper dive into the weekend’s highlights All of these segments will also be simulcast on Sky Sports Main Event for broader access.
Viewers are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for the best video player experience, ensuring smooth playback and minimal buffering. To get started, Sky customers should log in with their Sky iD, which can be created or retrieved via the Sky iD help page.
For those opting for NOW, simply sign up, choose either a day or month membership, and you’ll be ready to stream the race instantly across your preferred device. In summary, the Miami Grand Prix promises a blend of high‑speed drama, strategic intrigue, and the ever‑present threat of rain.
With a revised start time designed to dodge the worst of the weather, fans can look forward to a full‑throttle showdown. Whether you’re a Sky subscriber, a NOW streamer, or a casual follower catching the highlights later, there are plenty of ways to experience the excitement of Formula 1’s return to the vibrant streets of Miami.