Formula 1: the matchup, the stakes, the verdict

Formula 1 returns after an enforced five-week break with the Miami Grand Prix at the Miami International Autodrome, from 1-3 May. Formula 1 has emerged this Friday as one of the stories drawing attention in South Africa.

Key facts

• Formula 1 returns after an enforced five-week break with the Miami Grand Prix at the Miami International Autodrome, from 1-3 May.
• Changes to the regulations, the battle between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, and Lewis Hamiltons form among talking points as the 2026 season resumes; Formula 1 returns with a Sprint weekend in Miami on May 1-3, live on Sky Sports F1.
• All the key BBC coverage details for the Miami Grand Prix, the second sprint event of the season, which takes place from 1-3 May.
• As the 2026 Formula 1 season finally resumes after a five-week break, Sky Sports F1 assess the key talking points heading into the Miami Grand Prix weekend.
• Formula 1 returns on May 1-3 with the Miami Grand Prix, the season's second Sprint weekend, live on Sky Sports F1.

What we know

Going deeper, Changes to the regulations, the battle between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, and Lewis Hamiltons form among talking points as the 2026 season resumes; Formula 1 returns with a Sprint weekend in Miami on May 1-3, live on Sky Sports F1.

On the substance, all the key BBC coverage details for the Miami Grand Prix, the second sprint event of the season, which takes place from 1-3 May.

Beyond the headlines, as the 2026 Formula 1 season finally resumes after a five-week break, Sky Sports F1 assess the key talking points heading into the Miami Grand Prix weekend.

More precisely, Formula 1 returns on May 1-3 with the Miami Grand Prix, the season's second Sprint weekend, live on Sky Sports F1.

It is worth noting that as F1 heads to the US for the Miami Grand Prix, Need to Know is your all-in-one guide with statistics, driving pointers, strategy tips and more.

By the numbers

At this stage, the 2026 Formula 1 season resumes this weekend with the Miami Grand Prix, marking Round 4 on the calendar.

“To tackle the 19 corners and three long straights of the Miami International Autodrome, as it was named for its inaugural race in 2022, teams will have access to the three softest compounds in the Pirelli range: C3, C4 and C5,” reads Pirelli’s weekend preview.

Going deeper, Round four in the United States is also the second sprint event of the now 22-race season.

On the substance, Teenager Kimi Antonelli is the youngest driver in F1 history to lead the drivers' championship following his victory in Japan last month.

What they're saying

“Another factor to consider on Sunday is the possibility of neutralisations, which are common on any street circuit, where precision is crucial to avoid contact with the barriers.”

The wider context

On a related note, the 19-year-old Italian, who shared the podium at Suzuka with McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, is clear of Mercedes team-mate George Russell in the title race by nine points.

Going deeper, Saturday's sprint starts at 17:00 BST while lights out for Sunday's 57-lap grand prix is at 21:00.

On the substance, First practice this weekend will be extended to 90 minutes to give teams and drivers extra track time following the break, and to adjust to the rules changes that are being implemented from this weekend.

Beyond the headlines, Verstappen says F1 rule changes 'a tickle'Published20 hours ago.

More precisely, F1 makes changes to address new engine rules concernsPublished20 April.

The bottom line

• All the key BBC coverage details for the Miami Grand Prix, the second sprint event of the season, which takes place from 1-3 May.
• As the 2026 Formula 1 season finally resumes after a five-week break, Sky Sports F1 assess the key talking points heading into the Miami Grand Prix weekend.
• As F1 heads to the US for the Miami Grand Prix, Need to Know is your all-in-one guide with statistics, driving pointers, strategy tips and more.
• Searches spiking right now: F1 practice LIVE: Miami Grand Prix 2026 times, results, radio & updates, Lewis Hamilton feeling 'fired up' for return to Formula 1 action at Miami Grand Prix amid Ferrari quest to catch Mercedes, Insider Intel: Sam Collins answers your tech questions, Verstappen, Piastri question Formula 1 rule changes.