Miami Grand Prix Start time moved up to avoid severe weather

Formula 1 has moved the 2026 Miami Grand Prix forward by three hours to avoid the risk of heavy afternoon thunderstorms and isolated severe weather in South Florida.

The 57-lap race will now start at 1:00 PM local time (13:00 ET) on Sunday, May 3 at the Miami International Autodrome, instead of the originally scheduled 4:00 PM local start.

The change was confirmed after qualifying on Saturday following discussions between the FIA, Formula 1 and the Miami Grand Prix promoter.

In a joint statement, the three parties said:

“Following discussions between FIA, F1 and the Miami promoter, the decision has been taken to move the start of Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix to 13:00 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.

This decision has been taken 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 prioritize the safety of drivers, fans, teams and staff.”

Florida has some of the strictest outdoor-event lightning safety laws in the world. Any risk of thunder requires the immediate suspension of all outdoor activity, with everyone directed to seek shelter in substantial buildings with wiring and plumbing. This means the race could be red-flagged and stopped at any moment if storms develop.

The situation mirrors last year’s Miami weekend, when similar thunderstorm threats forced the Race Director to publish detailed contingency plans. On Thursday an FIA spokesman confirmed the organization is closely monitoring the forecast and already has those plans ready to activate if needed.

Should lightning force a suspension, the FIA will follow the exact procedure used last year under Article 57 of the Sporting Regulations. All cars must return to the pit lane and stop in the fast lane. Once gathered, they will be pushed back into their garages (with doors remaining open until further instruction). Any car that was already in its garage or moved prematurely will be placed at the back of the restart order.

The same protocol applies if bad weather interrupts the formation lap or start procedure — cars will be returned to the garages before the starting sequence is restarted at the 10-minute signal.

Check out the revised USA TV Times for the pre-race and race on Apple TV