F1 Miami Grand Prix Start Time Moves Forward Amid Thunderstorms Threat

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 03: Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy driving the (12) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W16 leads Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Scuderia Ferrari SF-25 George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W16 and the remainder of the field at the start during the Sprint ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 03, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)

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The start time for Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix has been brought forward by three hours due to thunderstorms and rain threats, Formula 1 has announced.

Originally set to begin at 4 p.m. local time (EDT), the race will now kick off at 1 p.m. (10 a.m. PDT, 6 p.m. BST).

The decision was made following discussions between F1, the governing body FIA and the Miami promoter as heavy rainstorms are forecasted to hit the track Sunday afternoon along with a risk of lightning around the originally scheduled race window.

An earlier start time would mean a lesser amount of disruptions to the race and also better and safer conditions for drivers, spectators and everyone involved.

“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,” a joint statement from F1, FIA and Miami Grand Prix said.

“This decision has been taken 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 prioritise the safety of drivers, fans, teams and staff.”