F1 Extends Miami GP Practice After Mid‑Season Break

The FIA has announced an extra practice session for the Miami Grand Prix, extending the weekend’s on‑track time after a five‑week mid‑season break caused by the Middle East conflict. The change comes as the race runs under the sprint format and faces new 2026 technical regulations, meaning teams need more data before qualifying. Practice 1 will now start at 2:00 am AEST on May 2, with the rest of the schedule unchanged.

Why it matters:

• After Bahrain and Saudi Arabian race cancellations, teams lost a month of track time; extra practice helps offset set‑up risks under the new 2026 power‑unit and aero rules.
• Sprint weekends already limit track time; the added session gives drivers data for sprint qualifying and the race.

The details:

• Original plan: one 60‑minute practice before sprint qualifying. Now an extra 60‑minute session.
• Practice 1 starts 02:00 am AEST on May 2, followed by sprint qualifying at 06:30 am.
• Sprint race 02:00 am AEST on May 3, sprint qualifying 06:00 am, and the Grand Prix 06:00 am AEST on May 4.

What's next:

• Teams will use extra laps to test 2026 aero updates and calibrate the hybrid power unit before the sprint.
• Miami serves as an early‑season test of the new rules before the European swing in May.