Formula 1 officials have thrown a curveball at the Miami Grand Prix schedule, shifting the race start time to dodge a looming weather threat. The decision, announced late Saturday night, moves the green flag from its original 4 p.m. ET slot to 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, as severe storms are forecast to roll through the area later in the afternoon.
The joint statement from the FIA, Formula 1, and the Miami Grand Prix promoter explained that the change was made after careful monitoring of the forecast. “Following discussions between FIA, F1 and the Miami promoter, the decision has been taken to move the start of Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix to 13:00 local time in Miami due to the weather forecast that is expected to bring heavier rainstorms later in the afternoon close to the original planned race start time,” the statement read.
Safety remains the top priority for everyone involved. The statement emphasized that the shift was designed “to ensure the least amount of disruption to the race, and to ensure the maximum possible window to complete the Grand Prix in the best conditions and to prioritize the safety of drivers, fans, teams and staff.” With Florida already bracing for wild weather, including potential tornado threats and 65 mph gusts, the early start aims to give the race the best chance of running cleanly.
New Sunday Schedule for Miami Grand Prix
Here’s the updated rundown for race day:
- 7:30 a.m.: Parking Gates Open
- 8:00 a.m.: Campus Gates Open
- 9:25 a.m.: Formula 2 Feature Race
- 11:00 a.m.: Formula 1 Driver’s Parade
- 11:30 a.m.: Grid Performance
- 12:45 p.m.: National Anthem
- 1:00 p.m.: Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix
Live coverage kicks off on Apple TV at 11:50 a.m. ET, with F1 TV Pro also carrying the action. Fans should adjust their plans accordingly, as the earlier window means less margin for delays.
The schedule shake-up isn’t the only buzz around the Miami weekend. Off-track, the event has seen its share of spectacle, from a Croatian model stealing the show at qualifying to a $100 “Golden Glizzy” hot dog sparking fury among fans. But the main event is now set to beat the clock against Mother Nature.
For those keeping an eye on the bigger sports landscape, the stormy forecast in Florida is part of a broader pattern—9 states are currently under tornado watch, with storms threatening to wreck sports schedules across the region. The Miami Grand Prix’s proactive move could serve as a blueprint for other events facing similar conditions.
With the race now slated for an earlier start, all eyes will be on the track as drivers and teams adjust to the compressed timeline. The hope is that by the time the afternoon storms hit, the checkered flag will already be waving.
