Miami Grand Prix Returns After Forced Hiatus as Antonelli Leads Title Charge

Key facts

• The 2026 Miami Grand Prix takes place on May 3 at the Miami International Autodrome.
• Rookie Kimi Antonelli leads the drivers' standings with 72 points after three races.
• George Russell is second, nine points behind Antonelli.
• The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were cancelled due to conflict in the Middle East.
• Apple TV holds exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for the 2026 F1 season.
• Select races and all free practice sessions are available for free on the Apple TV app.
• The race weekend includes Practice 1, Sprint Qualifying, Sprint, and Qualifying before the main event.

Season Resumes After Forced Hiatus

Formula 1 returns this weekend with the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026, ending a five-week break caused by the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. Both April rounds were called off due to conflict in the Middle East, leaving teams and drivers with an extended period to address lingering issues in their campaigns. The hiatus has reshuffled the competitive order. Rookie Kimi Antonelli, who won back-to-back races in China and Japan, now leads the drivers' championship with 72 points. George Russell trails by nine points in second, while Ferrari drivers occupy third and fourth.

Antonelli's Rise Amid Regulatory Shifts

Antonelli's early dominance has been one of the season's biggest surprises. The rookie has adapted quickly to the new regulations that have unsettled several veteran drivers. Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, has struggled through the first three races under the revised technical rules. McLaren showed promise in the last round, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri expected to challenge Mercedes at the front of the grid. The Miami weekend will test whether their form can translate to the temporary street circuit.

Miami Grand Prix Schedule and Viewing Options

The race weekend at the Miami International Autodrome begins on May 1 with Practice 1 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. ET, followed by Sprint Qualifying from 4:30 to 5:14 p.m. ET. On May 2, the Sprint runs from 12 to 1 p.m. ET, and Qualifying takes place from 4 to 5 p.m. ET. The main Grand Prix starts at 4:00 p.m. local time on Sunday, May 3. In the United States, Apple TV holds exclusive rights to F1 for the 2026 season. All free practice, qualifying, sprint, and race sessions are available on the Apple TV app. Select races and all free practice sessions can be watched for free.

Free Streaming Options for Fans

Fans can watch the Miami Grand Prix without spending anything by using a free trial of Amazon Prime, which offers a 30-day trial for new subscribers. Through Prime Video Channels, users can add Apple TV and access free F1 coverage. Existing Amazon Prime members can also cancel ahead of renewal to avoid charges while still watching the race weekend. This method allows viewers to follow all action from the Miami International Autodrome without a subscription fee. The approach has gained popularity among fans seeking to bypass traditional cable or standalone streaming costs.

Wider Context: A Season Disrupted by Conflict

The cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix marked an unprecedented disruption to the 2026 calendar. The two Middle Eastern rounds were scheduled for April but were called off due to regional instability. The forced break gave teams nearly five weeks to refine their cars and strategies. The Miami Grand Prix now serves as a reset point for the championship. With Antonelli leading and Verstappen struggling, the title race has taken an unexpected turn. The new regulations have leveled the playing field, allowing younger drivers to challenge established champions.

What to Expect in South Florida

The Miami International Autodrome, a temporary circuit around Hard Rock Stadium, is known for its high-speed straights and tight corners. The track demands strong traction out of slow-speed corners and efficient DRS zones. Tire management will be critical, especially in the Florida heat. All eyes will be on Antonelli to see if he can extend his lead, and on Verstappen to see if he can recover. The Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are poised to capitalize on any mistakes, while McLaren's resurgence adds another layer of intrigue.

Outlook: A New Era Taking Shape

The 2026 season is shaping up to be a transitional year. The new regulations have disrupted the established hierarchy, creating opportunities for drivers like Antonelli and teams like Mercedes. The Miami Grand Prix will provide the first clear indication of whether these shifts are temporary or enduring. With a long season ahead, the championship remains wide open. But the early returns suggest that the old guard faces a serious challenge from a new generation of talent.

The bottom line

• Kimi Antonelli leads the 2026 F1 standings with 72 points after three races.
• The Miami Grand Prix is the fourth round, following the cancellation of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to conflict.
• Apple TV has exclusive U.S. rights, with select sessions available for free on the Apple TV app.
• Fans can watch for free using a 30-day Amazon Prime trial and adding Apple TV via Prime Video Channels.
• The new regulations have disrupted the competitive order, with veterans like Verstappen struggling.
• McLaren showed promise in the last round and could challenge Mercedes in Miami.