Carlos Sainz supports wet Miami GP but emphasizes safety as priority

Carlos Sainz has expressed support for racing in wet conditions at the Miami Grand Prix but stressed that driver safety must be the absolute priority, echoing concerns about standing water and visibility. The FIA has activated a contingency plan for potential thunderstorms, including banning boost mode and adjusting Straight Line Mode in the rain for safety reasons.

Why it matters:

With an 85% chance of heavy rain forecast for Sunday's race, managing safety in extreme wet conditions is a critical test for the new generation of cars and the governing body's protocols. How the FIA and teams handle the situation could set a precedent for future wet-weather events, balancing the spectacle of a wet race with the inherent risks involved.

The details:

• FIA Contingency Plan: Motorsport's governing body has a plan to minimize disruption, citing experience from last year's threatened thunderstorms in Miami.
• Technical Restrictions for Safety: The FIA has mandated that boost mode "will be inhibited and is not allowed" in wet conditions. Straight Line Mode (SLM) will also be restricted to "only partial activation."
• Driver Concerns on Track Conditions: Carlos Sainz highlighted specific risks at the Miami International Autodrome, noting, "It’s a super-flat track, the water stays on the surface." He expressed concern about safety with walls close by and the limited visibility of the current cars.
• Tyre Preparation Adjustments: Teams will be permitted to increase the operating temperature of tyre blankets for intermediate tyres to ensure they work effectively in the cooler, wet conditions.
• Rookie Perspective: Championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who has only driven the 2026 car in the wet once during a shakedown, predicted a "tricky" race due to the unknowns, particularly regarding the intermediate tyre's grip and behavior under the new regulations.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the skies and the FIA's race control this Sunday. The success of the wet-weather protocols and the drivers' ability to handle the challenging conditions will be the ultimate test. While drivers like Sainz welcome the excitement of a wet race, the collective focus remains on ensuring it can be conducted safely before the lights go out.