Miami Grand Prix moved three hours earlier as storms threaten Sunday's race

Key facts

• The Miami Grand Prix start time moved from 16:00 to 13:00 local time on Sunday, May 3.
• The decision was made jointly by the FIA, Formula 1 and the Miami Grand Prix promoter.
• Heavy rainstorms are forecast for later in the afternoon near the original start time.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli will start from pole position.
• Red Bull's Max Verstappen will start alongside Antonelli on the front row.
• The 2026 season resumed after a five-week break with this race.
• Apple TV is the exclusive U.S. broadcaster under a five-year deal starting this season.

Schedule shift to beat the storm

The Miami Grand Prix will start three hours earlier than originally planned on Sunday, after the FIA, Formula 1 and local organizers agreed to move the race to 13:00 local time to avoid heavy rainstorms forecast for later in the afternoon. The fifth edition of the event at Miami International Autodrome was initially scheduled for 16:00. The decision, announced jointly by the governing body, the commercial rights holder and the promoter, aims to minimize disruption and maximize the window for completing the race under safe conditions. "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," the three parties said in a statement.

Antonelli on pole, Verstappen alongside

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli will start Sunday's race from pole position, with Red Bull's Max Verstappen completing the front row. The grid sets up a potentially decisive battle at the front as drivers contend with the altered schedule and uncertain weather. Antonelli's pole marks a strong performance for the young Italian, while Verstappen, the reigning champion, will look to capitalize on any early-race opportunities.

U.S. broadcast moves exclusively to Apple TV

The 2026 Miami Grand Prix is the first race of the season on U.S. soil and the first to stream exclusively on Apple TV under a five-year deal that began this season. Fans in the United States must have an Apple TV subscription to watch the race live; an F1 TV Premium subscription is now included with Apple TV and can be activated using Apple TV credentials and an existing F1 account. The platform also offers practice sessions and qualifying races via the Yahoo Sports Racing Hub. Previously, F1 races aired on ESPN and ESPN2.

Return after five-week break

Formula One returns this weekend after a five-week hiatus, with the Miami Grand Prix marking the second sprint weekend of the 2026 season. Action begins Friday, May 1, with practice and qualifying, followed by the sprint race on Saturday, May 2. The main race on Sunday will now start at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT), a more viewer-friendly time for U.S. audiences compared to the original 4 p.m. slot.

Safety and disruption concerns drive early start

The decision to move the start time was driven by weather forecasts predicting heavier rainstorms later in the afternoon, close to the original race start. By shifting to 13:00, organizers hope to complete the Grand Prix before the worst of the weather arrives, reducing the risk of delays or cancellations. The statement emphasized that safety of drivers, fans, teams and staff was the top priority.

What lies ahead for the weekend

With the schedule change, teams and drivers must adapt their preparations and strategies. The earlier start could affect tire choices, fuel loads and pit-stop planning, especially if rain arrives during or after the race. Fans attending in person or watching from home should note the new timing and ensure access to Apple TV for live coverage. Tickets remain available for those wishing to attend at the Miami International Autodrome.

A pivotal moment for the season

The Miami Grand Prix sets the tone for the remainder of the 2026 season as the first race after a long break. Antonelli's pole and the rescheduled start add layers of intrigue. The outcome will shape championship narratives and test the resilience of drivers and teams under shifting conditions. With the weather as an unpredictable variable, Sunday's race promises to be a defining moment in the calendar.

The bottom line

• The Miami Grand Prix start time moved from 16:00 to 13:00 local time on Sunday to avoid forecast heavy rain.
• The decision was made jointly by the FIA, F1 and the race promoter, prioritizing safety and race completion.
• Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) starts on pole, with Max Verstappen (Red Bull) alongside on the front row.
• The 2026 season resumed after a five-week break; this is the second sprint weekend of the year.
• Apple TV is the exclusive U.S. broadcaster under a five-year deal; F1 TV Premium is included with subscription.
• The earlier start time offers a more favorable viewing window for U.S. audiences (1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT).