Heavy Rain Forecast Shifts F1 Miami GP To Start Three Hours Early; Check New Timing

The 2026 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix has had its start time moved forward by three hours due to a heavy thunderstorm forecast in Florida. The race, which was originally scheduled to begin at 16:00 local time (01:30 IST), will now start at 13:00 local time, which translates to 22:30 IST on Sunday night (today), which is a much more convenient time for Indian F1 fans.

The decision was jointly announced by the FIA, Formula 1, and the Miami Grand Prix organisers. In an official statement, they said the change was made to ensure the least disruption to the race and to give the best possible window to complete the Grand Prix safely. Driver safety, along with the safety of fans and team staff, was cited as the top priority behind the decision.

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Heavy Thunderstorm Forecast In Florida

According to the US National Weather Service, heavy downpours are expected during the second half of Sunday, with a risk of localised flooding along the east coast of South Florida. Under Florida law, outdoor sporting events must be suspended immediately upon the sound of thunder, with a mandatory 30-minute wait after the last lightning strike before resuming.

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F1 Miami GP Qualifying Highlights

On the track, Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli claimed pole position with a lap time of 1:27.798, continuing his impressive rookie season. Max Verstappen qualified second with a 1:27.964, giving Red Bull their first front-row start of the 2026 season. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will start third, while McLaren's Lando Norris qualified fourth despite facing power unit issues during the session.

George Russell starts fifth and Lewis Hamilton sixth. McLaren's Oscar Piastri, who suffered technical troubles in qualifying, will start seventh.

Earlier in the weekend, McLaren dominated the Sprint, with Norris winning from lights to flag and Piastri finishing second. However, Antonelli's pole position in qualifying has set up what could be an exciting Mercedes vs Red Bull battle on race day.

The Miami Grand Prix is the fourth race of the 2026 F1 season, marking the sport's return after a 35-day break following the Japanese Grand Prix.

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F1 Miami GP: Main Race Grid Position