Miami GP schedule revamped: longer FP1, earlier sessions, and an F2 race added

The FIA reshuffled the Miami Grand Prix weekend after a month‑long racing hiatus, extending the sole free‑practice session to 90 minutes, shifting every slot 30 minutes earlier and tacking on a Formula 2 round.

The reshuffle follows the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds due to the Iran‑U.S. conflict, which left a month‑long gap since the Japanese Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

• A longer FP1 gives drivers extra time to dial in the new aerodynamic and tyre regulations introduced for the sprint format.
• Moving sessions forward compensates for the three‑month gap since the last race, helping teams regain rhythm.
• Adding F2 brings more on‑track action for fans and prevents a three‑month break in the feeder series.

The details:

• FP1 (Fri 1 May) – 12:00 – 13:30 local time (90 min), up from 60 min.
• Sprint qualifying (Fri 1 May) – 21:30 – 22:14 GMT (30 min earlier than originally planned).
• Sprint race (Sat 2 May) – 17:00 – 18:00 GMT, unchanged.
• F1 qualifying (Sat 2 May) – 21:00 – 22:00 GMT.
• Grand Prix (Sun 3 May) – 21:00 – 23:00 GMT, unchanged.
• F2 practice (Fri 1 May) – 14:30 – 15:15 GMT.
• F2 qualifying (Fri 1 May) – 19:30 – 20:00 GMT.
• F2 sprint race (Sat 2 May) – 15:00 – 15:45 GMT.
• F2 feature race (Sun 3 May) – 17:30 – 18:30 GMT.

What's next:

• Teams will use the expanded practice to fine‑tune setups ahead of the sprint, which could reshuffle the grid for Sunday’s race.
• The inclusion of F2 adds weekend excitement and gives emerging talent a high‑profile platform in Miami.