FIA to decide Miami GP start time amid lightning threat

A final decision on whether to change the start time of Sunday's Miami Grand Prix is expected Saturday evening, as F1 officials assess a serious threat of thunderstorms and lightning that could disrupt or even cancel the race. Teams are reportedly open to an earlier start to avoid the worst of the weather, which forecasts show has a greater than 40% chance of hitting at the scheduled 4 p.m. local time start.

Why it matters:

The potential for lightning presents a direct safety hazard, forcing event organizers to follow strict local guidelines that require spectators and personnel to seek shelter. This could lead to significant delays or a red-flagged race. Ensuring the event can be completed safely and within the window of available daylight is a critical logistical challenge, with the alternative being a canceled Grand Prix—a scenario all parties are desperate to avoid.

The details:

• The FIA, in consultation with F1 management (FOM), will meet after Saturday's qualifying session to evaluate the latest forecasts and make a scheduling call.
• Florida state safety rules mandate that people at large outdoor events must take shelter if lightning is followed by thunder within 30 seconds, a rule that would immediately halt track activity.
• The governing body has officially declared a Rain Hazard for Sunday based on the latest forecasts.
• While a decision was initially expected Sunday morning, the complexity of logistics—including coordinating with local authorities and informing teams and personnel—has pushed the timeline forward.
• Alpine's Sporting Director, Steve Nielsen, publicly dismissed rumors of a potential Monday race, citing the impracticality of retaining essential volunteer marshals who have regular jobs.

What's next:

The final call will be communicated to teams by Saturday night. The primary options are to keep the 4 p.m. start or move it earlier into a potentially clearer weather window. Officials are wary of preemptively changing the schedule only for the storms to miss the circuit, which would unnecessarily disrupt the support series schedule and fan arrangements. All eyes are on the evening weather briefing, which will determine the fate of the Grand Prix.