The FIA has shifted the Miami Grand Prix start time earlier as forecasts warn of thunderstorms and heavy rain during the afternoon and evening.
Thunderstorm fears have forced a major change to this Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix schedule.
The race was originally set to begin at 9pm UK time, but after Saturday’s qualifying session, Misryoum reports that the FIA announced a new earlier start. The revised time brings the Miami GP forward to 6pm UK time, or 1pm local.
Forecasts point to rain beginning in the morning, with storms expected to build mid-afternoon and continue into the evening. Organisers say the earlier window is designed to reduce disruption and help keep the event moving when conditions are potentially most unstable.
The move also reflects the practical challenges of staging a modern F1 race when weather can change quickly. In Florida, even short delays can cascade across sessions, track readiness, and fan travel plans.
Alongside the FIA, FOM and the Miami Grand Prix promoter, Misryoum says the decision followed discussions about the expected heavier storms later on.. In a joint statement, organisers said the change prioritises safety for drivers, teams, staff and fans, while also aiming to complete the Grand Prix under the best available conditions.
For Kimi Antonelli, the weekend’s reshuffled timing adds another variable to an already eventful lead-up. Antonelli secured pole for Mercedes on Saturday, but he has faced difficulties with starts so far this season, including a drop during the Sprint after qualifying performance.
If the race ends up wet, Misryoum notes that new 2026 regulations will limit how cars can be driven. Straight Line Mode and Boost Mode would be unavailable, restricting key power and aerodynamic deployment options when drivers need them most.
Antonelli has spoken of hoping for manageable conditions, while acknowledging that wet weather would be a tough challenge for a field with limited experience in the all-new machinery.. A rolling start remains on the table if conditions require it, removing the stationary-start element that can be decisive in tricky circumstances.
With only a small sample size of wet running in 2026, every decision on timing and procedure matters more than usual. Misryoum’s takeaway is simple: when storms threaten, the schedule becomes part of the competition, not just the backdrop.