Formula 1 officials have moved the start time of the Miami Grand Prix forward by three hours, from 4pm to 1pm local time (9pm to 6pm BST), after forecasts predicted heavy thunderstorms later in the afternoon.
The decision, announced jointly by F1, the FIA and the Miami Grand Prix, was taken to minimise disruption and ensure the maximum possible window to complete the race in safe conditions. The statement cited the weather forecast for heavier rainstorms near the original start time.
US law requires all outdoor public events to halt if a thunderstorm approaches, with spectators ordered to leave the area, adding urgency to the schedule change. The move follows a precedent set at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix, where qualifying was cancelled and the race was shifted earlier due to similar risks.
Miami hosts round four of the 2026 F1 season after a five-week break, as races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled because of the ongoing conflict in the Gulf. The weekend also features a sprint race format, with only one practice session before sprint qualifying.
