Miami Grand Prix Start Time Advanced Three Hours Amid Thunderstorm Threat

M. m. AEST schedule. This change, decided by F1 and the FIA on Saturday evening in Miami, aims to minimize disruption and ensure the race completes before heavier rainstorms arrive.

M. AEST, with the worst weather forecast for around 15:00 local time, or 20:00 BST. F1 and the FIA stated that the decision prioritizes the safety of drivers, fans, teams and staff, providing the maximum window to run the grand prix under optimal conditions.

The weather forecast predicts heavier rainstorms later in the afternoon, close to the original planned race start time. U.S. require the race to be suspended if there is a threat of a lightning strike at or around the circuit.

M. on Saturday. This adjustment follows the cancellation of the previous two scheduled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to the war in the Middle East.

The aim is to finish before heavy rain, expected to last for hours, potentially causing suspensions. Lando Norris, who won the Miami Grand Prix sprint race, said drivers will be 'thrown in at the deep end' by the expected wet weather. Norris finished ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in the sprint.

He qualified fourth behind Kimi Antonelli, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. "It's going to be a big challenge on race day for everyone to perform, find the limit," Norris said. "Obviously, you can't afford to make any mistakes.

We're thrown in at the deep end, but that's what we're here to do. " The vast majority of the grid, including Norris, have not yet experienced the 2026 cars in wet conditions. McLaren dominated the sprint race with Norris leading a one-two ahead of Piastri.

"Nice to be back on the top step! A good day for us," Norris said after the sprint win. "It was hot out there and sweaty. I was pushing, trying to find that balance of pushing and staying relaxed to not make mistakes.