Formula 1 has announced a change to the start time of the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, moving it forward by three hours to avoid severe thunderstorms forecast for later in the afternoon. The race will now begin at 1pm local time (6pm BST), instead of the originally scheduled 4pm local time (9pm BST).
The decision was made jointly by F1, the FIA, and the Miami Grand Prix organisers, citing the weather forecast that predicts heavier rainstorms later in the day. A statement explained that the move aims to minimise disruption and maximise the window to complete the race under the best conditions, prioritising safety for drivers, fans, teams, and staff.
This is not the first time F1 has adjusted schedules due to weather. At the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo, qualifying was cancelled and rescheduled for Sunday morning, with the race also shifted forward a few hours because of heavy downpour risks.
A further complication is US law, which strictly mandates halting any outdoor public event if a thunderstorm approaches, requiring spectators to leave the area. The Miami Grand Prix is round four of the 2026 F1 season, following a five-week break due to the cancellation of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia amid the ongoing Gulf conflict. It is also a sprint race weekend, with only one 90-minute practice session on Friday before competitive sessions begin with sprint qualifying.
