Miami Grand Prix Start Time Moved to 1 p.m. as Severe Thunderstorms Threaten Race

Key facts

• The Miami Grand Prix start time moved from 4 p.m. to 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
• The decision was made jointly by the FIA, F1, and the Miami Grand Prix promoter.
• Heavy rainstorms and lightning are forecast for later in the afternoon.
• Florida requires a 30-minute stoppage after the last lightning strike before events can resume.
• Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) will start on pole; Max Verstappen (Red Bull) is second.
• This is the first significant F1 schedule change since the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix.
• The race must end within three hours once it begins.
• Verstappen received a penalty for a pit exit breach during the Miami GP.

Race Moved Earlier to Beat Storms

The 2026 Miami Grand Prix will start three hours earlier than originally planned after organizers, the FIA, and Formula 1 agreed to shift the start time to 1 p.m. local time on Sunday. The decision, announced jointly, was driven by forecasts of severe thunderstorms and heavy rainstorms expected to hit the Miami International Autodrome later in the afternoon. “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,” the statement read. The move aims 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.” This marks the first time a Formula 1 weekend schedule has been significantly altered since the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix. The original start time was 4 p.m. ET.

Thunderstorm Threat Worsened Throughout the Week

Thunderstorms were consistently in the forecast for the Miami GP weekend, but predictions grew more severe as each day passed. The FIA declared a rain hazard after the sprint race on Saturday afternoon, a move that allows teams to make certain car changes after qualifying without breaking parc ferme rules. Teams can now adjust front wing sizes to increase downforce and change engine settings to provide more consistent power in slippery conditions. However, Boost Mode is not permitted on the engines, and Straight Mode wing shape changes apply only to the front wings. A major factor in the decision was the predicted thunder and lightning. Florida law requires a 30-minute stoppage after the last lightning strike is seen or thunder clap is heard before events can resume. This clock restarts as long as lightning or thunder continues, posing a significant risk of delays.

Wet Race Expected Despite Earlier Start

Even with the earlier start, the Miami Grand Prix is expected to take place in wet conditions, marking the first wet-weather competitive session for drivers in 2026. Some drivers have experienced wet running in testing, such as Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc during the first preseason test in Barcelona in January, but the majority have not. “It’s definitely going to be tricky because so many drivers haven’t driven the car in the wet (before),” said Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who secured pole position on Saturday evening. The new engines deliver power in a way that makes cars harder to control in the wet, and the aerodynamic wing shapes that change to assist the engine also reduce downforce, increasing risks. Formula 1 has a strict time limit: once the grand prix begins, it must end within three hours. This contrasts with other motorsport events like NASCAR, which can resume after lengthy delays.

Antonelli on Pole; Verstappen Penalized

Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli will start Sunday’s race from pole position, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen completing the front row. However, Verstappen was hit with a penalty for a pit exit breach during the Miami GP weekend, adding further intrigue to the race. The fifth edition of the Miami Grand Prix has already seen dramatic moments, with Antonelli winning a thriller from Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in a previous race. The wet conditions could reshuffle the grid and test the drivers’ adaptability.

Safety and Race Completion Prioritized

The decision to move the start time underscores the priority placed on safety and completing the race under the best possible conditions. The FIA, F1, and Miami organizers emphasized that the move was taken to “prioritise the safety of drivers, fans, teams and staff.” By starting earlier, the race window is maximized before the worst of the storms arrive. The three-hour race limit means that even with a wet start, the grand prix can be concluded without the threat of lightning-induced stoppages that could force a cancellation. This proactive approach reflects lessons learned from previous weather-affected events, such as the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix, where schedule changes were necessary.

Outlook: A Test of Skill and Strategy

Sunday’s race promises to be a test of driver skill and team strategy in unfamiliar wet conditions. With many drivers lacking recent wet-weather experience in the new cars, the potential for surprises is high. The earlier start may also affect fan attendance and television viewership, but the priority remains completing a safe and competitive race. As the grid prepares for the first wet race of the season, all eyes will be on how the new regulations and car designs handle the rain. The outcome could have implications for the championship standings and set the tone for the rest of the 2026 season.

The bottom line

• The Miami Grand Prix start time was moved from 4 p.m. to 1 p.m. ET to avoid severe thunderstorms and lightning.
• This is the first significant F1 schedule change since the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix.
• Florida’s lightning safety rules require a 30-minute stoppage after each strike, making early start crucial.
• Kimi Antonelli starts on pole; Max Verstappen faces a penalty for a pit exit breach.
• The race is expected to be wet, the first competitive wet session of 2026, testing driver skill in new cars.
• The FIA, F1, and Miami organizers jointly made the decision to prioritize safety and race completion.