Formula 1 has confirmed a change to the start time for the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday due to a forecast of heavy thunderstorms. The race, originally scheduled for 4pm local time (9pm BST), has been moved forward by three hours to 1pm local time (6pm BST). The FIA cited the weather forecast predicting heavier rainstorms later in the afternoon, close to the original planned start time.
Weather Concerns Prompt Schedule Shift
While sunny conditions prevailed during Friday and Saturday sessions at the Hard Rock Stadium, Sunday's forecast indicates heavy thunderstorms hitting the Miami Gardens area. The FIA statement noted: "Numerous episodes of rain and thunderstorms are expected at the circuit today as a front stalls over south Florida. The increased humidity and unstable conditions south of the front will also favour efficient rainfall rates and heavy downpours within any shower or storms." The initial round of rain is expected to depart by 10-11am, with a relative lull through midday, before chances increase again in the mid to late afternoon.
Antonelli on Pole as Championship Battle Heats Up
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli will start from pole position, with Max Verstappen (Red Bull) alongside him on the front row. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) qualified third, followed by Lando Norris (McLaren), George Russell (Mercedes), and Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari). The full starting grid sees Antonelli, Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, Russell, Hamilton, Oscar Piastri (McLaren), Franco Colapinto (Alpine), Pierre Gasly (Alpine), and Nico Hulkenberg (Haas) in the top ten. Notably, Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) was disqualified from qualifying due to a technical infringement on his car's floorboard, dropping him to the back of the grid.
Driver and Constructor Standings
Antonelli leads the drivers' championship with 75 points, ahead of Russell (68), Leclerc (55), Hamilton (43), and Norris (33). In the constructors' standings, Mercedes tops with 143 points, followed by Ferrari (98), McLaren (61), Red Bull (20), and Haas (18).
Lando Norris's Title Defence Under Scrutiny
McLaren's Lando Norris, the reigning world champion, faces a crucial test in Miami. Despite a strong start to the season, McLaren has shown growth under CEO Zak Brown, with the team now valued at approximately £4bn. Norris's performance in Miami will provide insights into McLaren's chances of defending the title amid regulation tweaks for 2026.
Other News: Alex Zanardi Remembered
The F1 community mourned the passing of Alex Zanardi at age 59. The former F1 driver, who lost both legs in a 2001 crash, went on to become a four-time Paralympic gold medallist in para-cycling. Italy's leader Giorgia Meloni hailed him as a symbol of resilience.
Stay tuned for live updates as the Miami Grand Prix unfolds under changing weather conditions.
