2026 Miami Grand Prix Start Time Moved Forward Due to Storm Threat

Formula 1 officials, in conjunction with the governing FIA and the Miami promoter, have advanced the start time of the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, May 2, 2026, by three hours. The race, originally scheduled for 4 p.m. ET, will now commence at 1 p.m. ET (6 p.m. BST) at the Miami International Autodrome in Florida.

The decision was made following discussions on Saturday night in response to forecasts predicting heavy thunderstorms and rain. By moving the start time earlier, officials aim to mitigate disruption and maximize the window for completing the 57-lap Grand Prix under the best possible conditions, prioritizing the safety of drivers, fans, and staff.

Formula 1 regulations permit a maximum active race duration of two hours. The change provides a larger timeframe to manage potential weather-related delays and ensures the race can be completed before sunset, which is at 7:42 p.m. local time. Wet races are notoriously difficult to manage, often leading to increased crash risks and red flag periods that suspend track action.

A specific challenge in Florida is local safety mandates. Outdoor sports events are often advised to cease immediately upon hearing thunder and cannot resume until 30 minutes after the last thunderclap or lightning strike. This “30-minute rule” resets with each new occurrence, which could lead to significant cumulative delays if storms persist throughout the afternoon.

The race is also set to be a significant technical test, marking the first wet-weather competition for Formula 1's controversial new car designs. These cars, which feature a heavy focus on battery harvesting and power deployment, have previously received mixed feedback from drivers during limited wet-weather testing earlier this year. Participants like Max Verstappen—who qualified second—and pole-sitter Kimi Antonelli will face an unpredictable afternoon as the grid adapts to the severe weather threat.