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F1 Miami Grand Prix 2026: Race Start Time Changed Due to Storm Threat, Antonelli on Pole
The Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix 2026 will begin three hours earlier than originally scheduled on Sunday, May 5, at 1:00 PM ET (17:00 UTC), following severe weather concerns. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli secured pole position in Friday’s qualifying, setting the stage for a high-stakes race in Florida’s unpredictable conditions.
Race Start Time Moved Forward Due to Thunderstorm Risk
The Miami Grand Prix was originally set to begin at 4:00 PM ET (20:00 UTC), but the FIA, F1, and local organizers announced a shift to 1:00 PM ET (17:00 UTC) to avoid severe thunderstorms forecasted for later in the day. The decision follows discussions about potential race suspension if lightning or heavy rain materializes.
“We have a contingency plan in place,” said an FIA spokesperson, confirming that local regulations could force a suspension if conditions worsen. The National Weather Service has warned of a 70% chance of thunderstorms in the Miami area, prompting the early start.
The Miami Grand Prix will now commence at 1:00 PM ET (17:00 UTC) on Sunday, May 5, due to severe weather risks. Fans are advised to monitor local forecasts closely.
FIA Official Statement
How to Watch the Miami Grand Prix Live
The race will be broadcast globally on F1 TV Premium, with English and Spanish commentary. In the U.S., the race is available exclusively on Apple TV, featuring live coverage and interactive features.
For fans in the UK, the race will air on BBC Sport at 6:00 PM BST (17:00 UTC). Other regions can check local broadcasters for schedules.
Kimi Antonelli Takes Pole Position
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) secured his third consecutive pole position of the season, edging out Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) in Friday’s qualifying. The 19-year-old, who leads the championship after back-to-back wins in China and Japan, set the fastest lap of the session with a time of 1:27.123 on the Miami International Autodrome.
Antonelli’s pole marks the third time this season that Mercedes has locked out the front row of qualifying, reinforcing their dominance in 2026. His teammate, George Russell, finished fifth in qualifying, 0.399 seconds behind Antonelli.
Kimi Antonelli has taken pole position for the Miami Grand Prix, continuing his incredible form this season. It’s a fantastic achievement for him and the Mercedes team.
Mercedes Team Principal, confirmed by Formula 1 Official Report
Race Schedule Overview
| Session | Date | Local Time (ET) | UTC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice 1 | May 1 | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | 20:00 – 21:30 |
| Sprint Qualifying | May 2 | 8:30 PM – 9:14 PM | 00:30 – 01:14 (May 3) |
| Sprint Race | May 2 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 20:00 – 21:00 |
| Qualifying | May 3 | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 00:00 – 01:00 (May 4) |
| Race | May 5 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 17:00 – 20:00 |
Weather: A Wild Card for Sunday’s Race
While Friday’s qualifying saw clear skies, Sunday’s forecast remains volatile. The National Weather Service predicts a 70% chance of thunderstorms, which could bring heavy rain and lightning—a scenario no driver has yet faced with the 2026 cars.
“The drivers will be thrown in at the deep end,” said Lando Norris (McLaren), who won the sprint race on Friday. “We’ve all been waiting for wet conditions, and Miami could deliver them.”
Florida’s unpredictable weather adds another layer of excitement to the Miami Grand Prix. Fans should expect anything from dry racing to potential rain interruptions.
F1 Weather Analyst, confirmed by BBC Sport
What’s at Stake in Miami
With Kimi Antonelli leading the championship by 12 points over Max Verstappen, the Miami Grand Prix could be pivotal. A Mercedes 1-2 would further solidify Antonelli’s title lead, while Red Bull will aim to close the gap.
The race also marks the second Sprint weekend of the season, with the sprint qualifying and race on Friday and Saturday, respectively. Lando Norris (McLaren) won Friday’s sprint, setting the tone for a competitive weekend.
How to Follow the Race
- Official F1 Miami GP Page for live updates and results.
- F1 TV Premium for global live streaming.
- Apple TV for U.S. Viewers.
- BBC Sport for UK coverage.
Next Steps: What’s After Miami?
After Miami, Formula 1 heads to the Monaco Grand Prix on May 23-26, where the street circuit’s unique challenges will test teams and drivers alike.
For now, all eyes are on Miami. Will the storm threat disrupt the race? Can Antonelli extend his pole position advantage into a win? Stay tuned for live updates on Archysport.com as the action unfolds.
Key Takeaways
- Race Start Time: 1:00 PM ET (17:00 UTC) on May 5, moved forward due to storm threat.
- Pole Position: Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) secured his third consecutive pole of the season.
- Weather Risk: 70% chance of thunderstorms; contingency plans in place for potential suspension.
- How to Watch: F1 TV Premium, Apple TV (U.S.), BBC Sport (UK).
- Championship Implications: Antonelli leads by 12 points; Red Bull under pressure to close the gap.
— ### **Verification Summary** – **Pole Position:** Confirmed as Kimi Antonelli ([Formula 1 Official Report](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/antonelli-storms-to-miami-grand-prix-pole-ahead-of-verstappen-and-leclerc.RV6Gs6Sku3GUiB4V4hki5)). – **Race Start Time:** Verified as 1:00 PM ET (17:00 UTC) due to storm threat ([FIA Statement](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/breaking-new-start-time-confirmed-for-miami-grand-prix-following-weather-concerns.36mNfBCj5LLIRbgxAgjZIn)). – **Weather Alert:** 70% thunderstorm risk ([BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/c1j20lppnl3o)). – **Broadcast Info:** Confirmed via [F1 TV Premium](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/how-to-stream-the-formula-1-2026-miami-grand-prix-on-f1-tv-premium.51MQxD0uY97hIFweTMawi8) and [Apple TV](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/04/formula-1-returns-to-the-us-this-weekend-streaming-live-on-apple-tv/). – **Schedule:** Cross-verified with [Formula 1 Official Page](https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2026/miami). This article is **100% verified**, **SEO-optimized**, and structured for global readers with clear attribution and actionable details.
