The Miami Grand Prix faces potential disruption from thunderstorms and lightning on Sunday, with the FIA implementing contingency plans to minimise any impact on the race schedule.
Weather Forecast and Risks
While sprint qualifying took place in hot, sunny conditions on Friday, with world champion Lando Norris securing pole, the forecast for Sunday tells a different story. There is an 85% likelihood of thunderstorms and lightning in the vicinity, with temperatures expected to drop from 28°C to 26°C, indicating a stronger cold front than initially anticipated.
Saturday is expected to remain hot, with temperatures reaching 34°C, but the race on Sunday is increasingly likely to be a wet affair or even face lightning-related interruption.
FIA Contingency Plans
The FIA is weighing up various alternatives in accordance with Miami state law concerning lightning near sporting fixtures. The law stipulates that if lightning is detected within eight miles of the Hard Rock Stadium, all outdoor activity must cease immediately.
Back-up plans include adjustments to the start time of the 57-lap race, which is scheduled to begin at 9pm UK time (4pm local time). Should there be spells of torrential rain, the circuit should dry out rapidly, with temperatures forecast to reach the high 20s.
A FIA statement said: "We are closely monitoring the weather forecast for this weekend. Having faced a similar situation last year in Miami with threats of thunderstorms, we have a contingency plan in place and will activate it if needed to minimise disruption to the on-track programme."
One possible outcome could see the race start brought forward to dodge the worst of the weather, as was the case at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix.
Medical Helicopter Considerations
The race cannot go ahead if the medical helicopter is grounded. Lightning or severe turbulence from a thunderstorm cell automatically grounds the helicopter, meaning the FIA must red-flag the session even if the track itself appears driveable. Should a red flag be shown, the race would resume once conditions settle. A full cancellation of the Grand Prix is considered unlikely at this point.
Sprint Qualifying Results
Lando Norris will line up at the front of the grid for Saturday's 19-lap sprint after pipping Mercedes' championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 0.222 seconds. Oscar Piastri slots in third in the second McLaren ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in fourth.
Mercedes had dominated the opening three Grands Prix of the season, claiming victory in every race and comfortably securing a one-two in every full and sprint qualifying session. However, following a five-week hiatus since Antonelli triumphed at the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29, Mercedes saw their stranglehold broken on the streets surrounding Hard Rock Stadium.
Leclerc appeared to hold the advantage throughout qualifying, but Norris delivered when it mattered on the final soft-tyre run. Antonelli's impressive lap fell short of unseating him. Mercedes' George Russell struggled for pace and will start sixth, behind Max Verstappen in fifth. Lewis Hamilton could only manage seventh for Ferrari.
