Formula 1 officials have moved the start of the 2026 Miami Grand Prix forward by three hours to 1pm local time on Sunday due to forecasts of heavy rain and thunderstorms. The decision followed discussions between the FIA, FOM, and Miami organizers on Saturday evening. The change aims to provide a larger window for completing the race safely before conditions worsen.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast for Sunday afternoon in Miami Gardens, Florida, prompting F1 management, the FIA, and Miami Grand Prix organizers to adjust the schedule. Originally set for 4pm local time, the race will now begin at 1pm (1300 local / 1700 GMT), as confirmed in a joint statement. “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,” the statement said. It added that the move prioritizes safety for drivers, fans, teams, and staff while minimizing disruption. The primary concern is lightning, governed by local laws requiring suspension if strikes occur within an eight-mile radius of the Miami International Autodrome. All personnel and spectators must seek shelter, with resumption possible only after a 30-minute lightning-free period. Forecasts predict precipitation chances highest late afternoon, with potential 25-35 mm/hr rainfall, frequent lightning, wind gusts up to 80 kph, and small hail. Ahead of qualifying, the FIA declared a Rain Hazard—a new 2026 protocol triggered by over 40% rain probability—allowing teams additional parc fermé adjustments like higher ride heights and front wing tweaks for wet conditions. If low grip is declared during the race, power unit boost will be banned, MGU-K deployment reduced to 250kW from 350kW, and Straight Mode limited to the front wing. The F2 feature race is rescheduled to 09:25 local time. Kimi Antonelli takes pole ahead of Max Verstappen, with Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris on the second row.
