MAY 3, 2026

Miami GP start moved earlier over storms

Formula 1 has moved Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix start time three hours forward to 1pm local time because of a forecast threat of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

The race had originally been scheduled for 4pm, but F1, the FIA and Miami Grand Prix organisers agreed on Saturday evening to revise the timetable after reviewing the latest weather outlook.

With conditions expected to deteriorate through the afternoon, the earlier start is intended to give race control a wider window to complete the event.

“Following discussions between FIA, FOM and the Miami promoter, the decision has been taken to move the start of Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix to 13:00 local time in Miami due to the weather forecast that is expected to bring heavier rainstorms later in the afternoon close to the original planned race start time,” read a joint statement from F1 management and the FIA.

“This decision has been taken to ensure the least amount of disruption to the race, and to ensure the maximum possible window to complete the Grand Prix in the best conditions and to prioritise the safety of drivers, fans, teams and staff.”

The main concern is lightning. Under local safety rules, any lightning within an eight-mile radius of the Miami International Autodrome would require the event to be stopped, with spectators and personnel instructed to seek shelter. Running could only resume after a 30-minute period without further lightning in the area.

The FIA had already declared a rain hazard before qualifying, using a new 2026 protocol triggered when the chance of rain for the race is above 40%.

That allows teams to make extra parc ferme changes, including increasing ride heights for wet conditions and adjusting the front wing flap angle for Straight Mode.

Further restrictions would apply if race control declares low-grip conditions during the grand prix. Drivers would be barred from using power unit boost mode, MGU-K deployment would be reduced from 350kW to 250kW, and Straight Mode would be limited to the front wing rather than the rear.

As part of the revised Sunday schedule, the Formula 2 feature race will now begin at 09:25 local time.