Formula 1 officials have announced a change to the start time of the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, moving it forward by three hours to 6pm British Summer Time (BST) due to the threat of severe thunderstorms. The race, originally scheduled for 4pm local time (9pm BST) at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, will now commence at 1pm local time (6pm BST).
Weather Concerns Prompt Decision
While Friday and Saturday sessions enjoyed sunny skies, the latest meteorological forecasts predict heavy thunderstorms in the Miami Gardens area later on Sunday afternoon. The FIA, in a joint statement with Formula 1 and the Miami Grand Prix organisers, explained that the decision was taken to minimise disruption and maximise the window for completing the race in safe conditions. The statement emphasised that the move prioritises the safety of drivers, fans, teams, and staff.
Precedent from Previous Seasons
This is not the first time weather has forced a schedule change in Formula 1. During the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo, qualifying was cancelled and rescheduled for Sunday morning, with the race itself also moved forward a few hours to avoid predicted heavy downpours. Additionally, US law requires outdoor public events to halt and spectators to evacuate if a thunderstorm approaches, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
Context of the 2026 Season
The Miami Grand Prix is the fourth round of the 2026 F1 season, following a five-week break caused by the cancellation of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to ongoing conflict in the Gulf region. This weekend also features a sprint race format, meaning only one 90-minute practice session took place on Friday before competitive sessions began with sprint qualifying.
