Storms Force Miami Grand Prix to Start Earlier
Formula 1 organisers have moved Sunday's Miami Grand Prix forward by three hours to avoid forecast thunderstorms in south Florida. Instead of starting at 16:00 local time, the race will now begin at 13:00. The decision was taken on Saturday evening by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) , Formula One Management and the Miami Grand Prix organisers. Florida state law requires major outdoor events to stop if lightning strikes nearby. With heavy storms expected from about 15:00, an earlier start gives more time to finish the race in daylight. Mercedes' 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli starts on pole, ahead of Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris.
The decision reflects both safety and commercial pressure. If lightning struck the Hard Rock Stadium circuit, fans and staff would have to shelter in place, and the race might be lost. Organisers also wanted to avoid a repeat of the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, which only ran for two laps behind a safety car. Cancelling Miami was not an option Liberty Media, Formula 1's American owners, could easily accept. The race draws more than 200,000 spectators and is one of the sport's most valuable US events. Two earlier 2026 races had already been cancelled because of the conflict in the Middle East.
Even with the change, the race is likely to be wet, and that worries the teams. Most drivers have not yet raced this season's all-new cars in rain. Their hybrid power units produce huge amounts of electrical energy, and teams are still learning to deliver it smoothly. Norris said the drivers will be thrown in at the deep end. His team-mate Oscar Piastri called the conditions a voyage into the unknown. Spray, aquaplaning and a smaller margin for error are now the biggest concerns.