Miami GP start time moved forwards due to severe thunderstorm threat in Florida

The wet start of the 2025 Miami GP sprint race. Hector Vivas / Getty Images Share articleThe 2026 Miami Grand Prix start time will be moved to 1 p.m. ET (6 p.m. UK) due to the threat of severe thunderstorms predicted to hit the track on Sunday. The original grand prix start time was slated for 4 p.m. ET on Sunday. This is first time a Formula 1 weekend schedule has been significantly altered since the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix In a joint statement, the FIA – motorsport’s governing body – the F1 organization and the Miami GP organizers said: “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 1 p.m. 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. “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.” As the week leading up to the Miami GP unfolded, thunderstorms were consistently in the forecast, but these predictions worsened as each day passed. The FIA declared a rain hazard after the Miami sprint race on Saturday afternoon, which allows the teams to make certain changes with their cars after qualifying without breaking parc ferme rules. This includes changing sizes of front wings to increase downforce, as well as changing engine settings to provide more consistent power to drivers in slippery conditions. Boost Mode is not permitted on the engines and the Straight Mode wing shape changes only take place on the front wings. A major factor in the decision was the predicted thunder and lightning. Florida requires a 30-minute stoppage after the last lightning strike is seen or thunder clap is heard before events can resume. This clock continues to restart as long as lightning or thunder is occurring. Where F1 benefits compared to other motorsport events, such as NASCAR, is that there is a limit for how long a race can last. Once the grand prix begins, it must end within three hours. It is expected the Miami GP will take place in wet conditions even with the move to an earlier start time, and this will mark the first wet weather the drivers have experienced in a competitive session in 2026. Some have driven in the wet in a testing format, such as when Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc had the Barcelona track to themselves for Red Bull and Ferrari respectively at the first 2026 preseason test there back in January. The way the new engines deliver power makes it even harder to control F1 cars in the wet. The way the aerodynamic shapes on the wings change to assist the engine also increases risks for the drivers as the slimmer shapes lower downforce. “It’s definitely going to be tricky because so many drivers haven’t driven the car in the wet (before),” Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli said on Saturday evening after securing pole position for Sunday’s race. “Hearing the feedback (from those drivers that have), it’s not the easiest car to drive in the wet, but let’s see.” Verstappen said: “It’s quite a handful. It’s not going to be easy, but let’s first also wait and see how much water is going to come down, because that also makes a big difference.” The last time a race was impacted by inclement weather was the 2024 Brazilian race, which was moved earlier due to further forecast rain after the scheduled qualifying session was completely washed out. That session then took place on Sunday morning, shortly before the race went ahead. In 2023, the Imola race weekend was canceled due to severe flooding in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms