Miami Grand Prix start time changed as chaotic F1 season takes another twist

Formula 1 organisers have brought forward the Miami Grand Prix by three hours, with the race now scheduled to begin at 6pm due to the threat of severe thunderstorms.

The decision, announced by F1 and the FIA on Saturday evening, follows the cancellation of both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia grands prix earlier this season because of conflict in the Middle East.

Officials stated the earlier start time was chosen because forecasters predict heavy rainstorms arriving close to the original scheduled start.

The worst conditions are expected around 8pm, which would have been an hour before the race was due to commence.

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American regulations require suspension of proceedings if lightning threatens the circuit area, with all personnel required to seek shelter.

World champion Lando Norris warned that drivers face an unprecedented challenge, with most of the grid yet to experience the 2026 machinery in wet conditions following the sport's most significant regulation overhaul.

The McLaren driver, who secured fourth on the grid behind Kimi Antonelli, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, suggested the substantial electrical power in the new engines could create additional unpredictability.

"I don't know how wet it's going to be," Norris said.

"It's going to be a big challenge on race day for everyone to perform, find the limit. Obviously, you can't afford to make any mistakes. We're thrown in the deep end, but that's what we're here to do. I look forward to it."

He described the potential for "a bit more chaos" given teams' ongoing difficulties deploying power consistently.

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Norris's teammate Oscar Piastri acknowledged the conditions would present unknown territory for the entire field.

"It's obviously going to be a voyage into the unknown for everybody. When it rains here, it normally is pretty torrential, so it could be an interesting day," he said.

Piastri highlighted concerns about power delivery, noting decisions about energy deployment rest largely with computer systems, leaving reduced margin for driver error in slippery conditions.

Four-time world champion Verstappen is among the handful of drivers who have tested the new cars in rain, alongside the Ferrari drivers and his teammate Isack Hadjar, who crashed during wet pre-season running in Barcelona.

"Quite slippery. It's quite a handful. It's not going to be easy," Verstappen observed, adding that rainfall intensity would significantly affect proceedings.

While F1 cars can operate in rain, visibility remains the primary concern due to enormous spray generated by the vehicles. Aquaplaning also poses risks when standing water causes the low-riding machines to float above the track surface.

Predicting competitive order becomes virtually impossible given so few drivers have any wet-weather experience with the current machinery.

The weekend has already proved unpredictable, with McLaren, Red Bull and Ferrari all introducing substantial upgrades for Miami. Mercedes opted for minimal changes, reserving their major development package for Canada.

McLaren appeared dominant during the sprint race, with Norris leading Piastri to a one-two finish, yet the team's form dipped during qualifying.

Verstappen praised Red Bull's progress as "incredible" and "massive" after trailing by a full second at the previous round in Japan.

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