The Formula 1 calendar is back in action this weekend with the Miami Grand Prix set to take place on Sunday, ending a hiatus of more than a month without a race. Organisers have been forced to adjust the timetable at the last minute because of an approaching thunderstorm threat. In order to steer clear of the heaviest rain, the start time has been pushed forward by three hours, moving the race to 6 p.m. UK time (1 p.m.
local Miami time). This shift aims to give the drivers a better chance of completing the full distance before the forecasted downpours arrive in the afternoon. The pole position for the Sunday event will be occupied by championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who will line up at the front of the grid after securing the fastest lap in qualifying. Antonelli is currently enjoying a six‑point advantage over his Mercedes teammate George Russell, and he will be eager to widen that margin.
Mercedes has dominated the opening three rounds of the 2026 season, but a surprise one‑two finish for McLaren in the Saturday sprint race at Miami suggested that the five‑week development window since the Japanese Grand Prix has allowed rivals to close the gap and make the fight for podium places tighter than expected. After losing the sprint, Antonelli responded by clinching pole for the main race, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown. Behind him, the field is stacked with big names: Max Verstappen will start second for Red Bull, while Charles Leclerc will occupy third place for Ferrari.
Their presence guarantees a competitive battle for the top step of the podium and promises plenty of on‑track drama for fans. Rain remains a wild card that could dramatically alter the race dynamics. The 2026 F1 cars are brand‑new, featuring a host of aerodynamic and power‑unit updates, and none of them have yet been tested in wet conditions. Should the forecasted showers materialise, teams will have to adapt quickly, making tyre choices and car setups even more critical.
The possibility of a wet race adds an extra layer of intrigue, as drivers will need to balance outright speed with the delicate art of controlling a high‑downforce machine on a slick surface. Miami’s street circuit, which joined the F1 schedule in 2022, is renowned for its fast, flowing layout and ample overtaking opportunities.
The long straights leading up to Turn 11 and the sweeping Turn 17 provide prime zones for drivers to attempt passes, especially when the cars are fully loaded with downforce. However, the circuit’s tight walls mean that any mistake is swiftly punished, demanding precision and confidence from every competitor. The revised timetable for Sunday, May 3, looks as follows: - 2:25 p.m.
(UK) – Formula 2 Feature Race - 4:00 p.m. – Build‑up programme for the Grand Prix - 6:00 p.m. – The Miami Grand Prix itself (live on Sky Sports F1) - 8:00 p.m.
– Post‑race reaction and analysis - 9:00 p.m. – "Ted's Notebook" segment All of these broadcasts will also be available on Sky Sports Main Event for those who prefer the main channel.
Viewers are advised to use the Chrome browser for the most reliable video player experience. How to watch: * Television – Sky subscribers can tune into Sky Sports F1 from the first practice session on Friday afternoon through to the race on Sunday.
* Mobile and tablet – The Sky Sports app provides live streaming, with the added novelty of being able to select a driver’s onboard camera for a more immersive perspective. * Streaming – Non‑Sky customers have the option to stream via the NOW service, which offers flexible Day or Month passes that can be cancelled at any time, eliminating the need for a long‑term contract.
* Live blog – For fans on the move, a dedicated F1 live‑blog offers minute‑by‑minute updates and commentary throughout the weekend. * Highlights – Sky Sports app users can watch race highlights shortly after the chequered flag waves.
Sky Sports subscribers also receive additional support such as Sky ID assistance for account management. NOW, the instant‑streaming platform, gives access to all twelve Sky Sports channels and the Sky Sports+ streams, and it works across more than 60 devices. Membership is contract‑free, allowing users to cancel whenever they wish, and pricing information for Day and Month memberships can be found on the NOW website. In summary, the 2026 Formula 1 season resumes in Miami with a reshuffled start time designed to sidestep the worst of the predicted thunderstorms.
Kimi Antonelli leads the championship and will start from pole, while a strong field featuring Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc lines up behind him. The street circuit’s blend of high‑speed sections and close barriers promises an action‑packed race, especially if rain intervenes.
Fans can catch every moment live on Sky Sports F1, via the Sky Sports app, or through the contract‑free NOW streaming service.