FIA moves Miami GP start time forward due to severe storm threat

The FIA, Formula 1, and the Miami Grand Prix promoter have jointly decided to move the start of Sunday's race forward by three hours to 1:00 PM local time due to a forecast of severe thunderstorms expected near the original 4:00 PM start. The proactive change aims to maximize the window to complete the Grand Prix safely before conditions deteriorate.

Why it matters:

This pre-emptive schedule shift prioritizes the safety of everyone at the circuit—drivers, teams, staff, and fans—above all else. It also represents a pragmatic effort to complete the full race distance for competitors and viewers, avoiding the potential for a delayed, shortened, or canceled event that would disrupt the championship.

The details:

• The 57-lap Miami Grand Prix will now start at 13:00 local time (18:00 BST), a three-hour shift from the originally planned 16:00 start.
• A joint statement cited the forecast for "heavier rainstorms later in the afternoon" as the reason, aiming to complete the race "in the best conditions."
• Despite the earlier start, the event remains subject to standard U.S. outdoor sports lightning safety protocols: a lightning strike within an eight-mile radius triggers an automatic 30-minute hold, which resets with each new strike.
• This is not without recent precedent; the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix schedule was heavily revised, with the race itself brought forward due to weather concerns.

What's next:

All focus now turns to the new 1:00 PM start time. While the earlier schedule improves the odds of a clean race, the threat of storms and potential lightning holds remains a variable that could still impact the event's running. Teams and fans must adjust their plans accordingly for the earlier commencement.