F1 Miami Grand Prix start moved to 1 p.m. because of weather forecast

MIAMI GARDENS — Race fans planning to attend Sunday’s fifth annual Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix will need to arrive earlier than they may have planned.

The Grand Prix was moved up three hours, to 1 p.m., because of a forecast calling for the likelihood of rain late in the afternoon.

“While a decision like this is not made lightly, we are grateful to the FIA for prioritizing the safety of all stakeholders and making every effort to complete a successful Grand Prix,” Tom Garfinkel, managing partner of the event, said in a statement. “We are prepared to welcome all fans on Sunday for an exciting day at the track and have contingencies in place in the event of inclement weather, with the safety of all guests as our highest priority.”

May 2, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli (12) celebrates after winning the pole during qualifying for the F1 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The forecast created a problem for organizers because the race cannot be held at night. With few other options, the race was moved up to beat the rain.

Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli will start on pole, with Red Bull's Max Verstappen completing the front row.

The new day’s schedule calls for parking gates to open at 7:30 a.m., campus gates and the McLaren Trophy America second race to both start at 8, the Formula 2 feature race at 11 a.m. and the Grand Prix at 1.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: F1 Miami Grand Prix start moved to 1 p.m. because of expected rain