F1 Miami GP Start Time Moved Forward Due to Thunderstorm Threat

Formula 1 officials have moved the start time of the Miami Grand Prix forward by three hours on Sunday, May 3, 2026, to avoid predicted thunderstorms in Florida.

The race is now scheduled to begin at 13:00 local time (18:00 BST), according to reports from the BBC and Formula 1. The decision follows a meeting held by F1 stakeholders on Saturday evening to evaluate weather forecasts that indicated widespread rain and thunderstorms for later in the afternoon.

Weather Risks and Scheduling

The rescheduling is a preemptive measure to ensure the 57-lap contest can be completed before electric storms reach the Miami International Autodrome. Organizers noted that the presence of lightning in the area would cause significant disruptions to the event.

The shift in timing comes after a weekend of extreme conditions. Air temperatures reached up to 34C during the qualifying and sprint race sessions, according to reporting from The Race.

Driver Reactions to Conditions

The prospect of wet weather has added another layer of difficulty for the grid, particularly as teams adjust to the 2026 technical regulations. World champion Lando Norris suggested that the expected rain would challenge the drivers.

The Formula 1 drivers will be thrown in at the deep end by the expected wet weather on Sunday.

Lando Norris, McLaren Driver

Norris is among the majority of the grid who have not yet experienced the 2026 cars in competitive wet conditions, making the potential for a rain-affected race a significant variable in Sunday’s outcome.

Broadcast and Viewing Details

The adjusted schedule impacts broadcast windows for global audiences. In the United Kingdom, the race will start at 6 p.m. BST, with Sky Sports F1 providing build-up coverage starting at 4 p.m. On May 3, 2026.

Fans in the United States can watch the race starting at 1 p.m. ET. The shift aims to maximize the window of clear weather before the forecasted storm cells move into the Miami region.