FIA Extends Miami FP1 to 90 Minutes for Three Key Reasons
The FIA has lengthened Miami’s sole practice session to 90 minutes, citing a calendar gap after Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled, new rule tweaks slated for the race, and the sprint‑weekend format. An updated schedule details FP1, sprint qualifying, the sprint race, and Grand Prix timing.
The FIA has stretched Miami’s lone practice session from 60 to 90 minutes, giving teams extra track time ahead of a sprint weekend and a batch of new rule tweaks. The extension is a direct response to the unexpected calendar gap after Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled, and to the compressed weekend format that leaves little room for on‑track learning. The updated timetable now places FP1 from 12:00‑13:30 local time, followed by sprint qualifying later that afternoon.
Why it matters:
- Rule validation – Teams get vital data on the new technical and sporting regulations that will debut in Miami (front‑wing flex, DRS zones, tyre allocations).
- Sprint preparation – With only one practice session before sprint qualifying, the extra 30 minutes help drivers lock in braking points and corner speeds on the street circuit.
- Competitive balance – The three‑week calendar void since Suzuka left many crews short on recent data; the longer session helps level the playing field.
The details:
- Calendar gap – Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were canceled, creating a three‑week hiatus between Suzuka (late March) and Miami (early May).
- Rule tweaks – New front‑wing definitions, revised DRS activation points and adjusted tyre allocations will be trialled in Miami; teams need the extra time to adapt setups.
- Sprint weekend – Because the weekend features only a single practice slot, the FIA added 30 minutes to compensate for limited on‑track time before sprint qualifying.
- Revised Miami schedule
- Friday, May 1 – FP1 12:00‑13:30 (UTC‑5) / Sprint qualifying 16:30 (UTC‑5)
- Saturday, May 2 – Sprint race 12:00 / Grand Prix qualifying 16:00 (UTC‑5)
- Sunday, May 3 – Grand Prix 16:00 (UTC‑5)
What's next:
- Teams will focus on aerodynamic and tyre‑wear setups during the extended FP1 to meet the new rule package.
- Drivers will use the added minutes to fine‑tune braking zones and entry speeds, especially on the high‑speed banking sections.
- The extra data could narrow the performance gap between front‑runners and midfield squads, potentially reshuffling the sprint‑race grid.
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