The FIA has outlined a detailed contingency plan in the event that the Miami Grand Prix is suspended due to severe weather, specifically lightning strikes. The race, originally scheduled for 9pm BST on Sunday at the Miami International Autodrome, has been moved forward by three hours to 6pm BST following discussions about the threat of thunderstorms and lightning in the area.
Weather Concerns Prompt Schedule Change
According to the BBC's weather forecast, thundery showers and a light breeze are expected when the race begins, with conditions expected to ease by Wednesday. Local regulations mandate that the race could be suspended if a lightning strike occurs in or around the circuit, requiring all personnel to shelter in place. To address this, the FIA has issued a set of protocols for managing such shelter at various stages of the event.
Procedures for Lightning During Grid Line-Up
If lightning is present during the grid line-up, the FIA report states that the start will be delayed in accordance with Article B5.14.1 of the FIA F1 Regulations. Teams will be informed via the official messaging system that all cars on the grid or at the end of the pit lane must be pushed back to their teams' Designated Garage Area. Garage doors must remain open until otherwise instructed, and all team personnel must leave the signalling area. Once the Race Director deems it safe to resume, teams will be instructed to push cars back to their allocated grid positions. Cars from the end of the pit lane must line up in the order they were in when the delayed start was announced. Team personnel may then return to the signalling area, and the starting procedure will begin again at the ten-minute signal.
Procedures for Lightning During the Race
If lightning strikes during the race, the FIA statement explains that the race will be suspended per Article B14.2. All cars must return to the pit lane and stop in the fast lane as per Article B5.14.2b. Once all cars are in the pit lane, teams will be instructed to push cars from the fast lane to their garages. Garage doors must remain open, and all team personnel must leave the signalling area. Any car that was in its garage at the time of suspension or moved from the fast lane without instruction will be placed at the back of the line before resumption. While cars are in the garage, work is permitted but restricted to specific articles. The Race Director will announce a re-start order at least twenty minutes before the expected re-start, and teams will push cars into the fast lane in that order. Cars not included in the re-start order may line up at the back. After all cars are arranged, the resumption time will be announced, with at least ten minutes' warning given. The race will then resume in accordance with Article B5.15.2.
The FIA's comprehensive plan ensures safety while maintaining the integrity of the race, with clear steps for all scenarios involving lightning threats.
