Why a US law could stop the 2026 Miami F1 Grand Prix if weather forecasts are correct

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Rain is threatening the 2026 Miami F1 Grand Prix, and according to forecasting site AccuWeather, which many teams rely on, there is currently an 88% chance of rain on Sunday and a 53% chance of thunderstorms.

It is precisely that last figure that has teams and drivers on alert. Unlike in other countries, US law requires major outdoor public events – such as Formula 1 grands prix – to be halted if thunderstorms are approaching and there is a risk of lightning strikes.

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In such instances, the medical helicopter would not be able to fly, and it would also be considered dangerous for spectators, who would need to leave the venue.

Therefore, if rain arrives with thunderstorms over the weekend, even without a heavy downpour flooding the circuit, the race could be stopped with a red flag, and the drivers would have to return to the pit lane.

In fact, there is another rule that applies only at the three races held in the United States: Miami, Austin and Las Vegas. In the event of thunderstorm-related stoppages, teams are allowed to bring the cars into the garages and work on them during a red flag, instead of having to work on them outdoors in the pit lane.

Last year, the FIA reminded teams that, “under the authority granted to the stewards by articles 11.9.2.a and 11.9.3.n of the FIA international sporting code,” and according to local public safety regulations, the race may be suspended due to the risk of lightning at or near the circuit, to allow all personnel to take shelter safely.

What would happen if a thunderstorm hit Miami?

The race would be suspended according to Article 57 of the sporting regulations. All cars would have to return to the pit lane and stop in the fast lane, as described in Article 57.2.

Once all cars have returned to the pit lane, teams would be informed through the official messaging system that the cars must be pushed from the fast lane into their garages. The garage doors would remain open until further notice.

Wet weather hit the 2025 Miami GP sprint

Wet weather hit the 2025 Miami GP sprint

For the avoidance of doubt, any car already in the garage at the moment the race is suspended, or any car moved from the fast lane to another part of the pit lane before receiving those instructions, would be placed at the back of the queue before the restart (if the race resumes), in accordance with Articles 57.3 or 57.5, respectively.

While the cars are in the garages, the provisions of Article 57.4 would apply.

To clarify, work may be carried out on the cars once they are stopped in the fast lane, while they are in the team garages, or once they return to the fast lane before the restart of the session – but only the work listed in Articles 57.4 b) i) to x) may be performed, and it must not delay the restart.

Once the race director considers it safe to resume, and at least 18 minutes before the scheduled restart, the restart order will be published.

At that point, under the supervision of the FIA technical delegate or their representative, each team will be instructed in turn to push their car(s) into the fast lane so they can line up according to the published restart order.

Once all cars in the restart order are lined up in the fast lane, any car not included in that order may leave the garage and join at the back of the line, in the order in which it arrives.

Teams can push their cars into the garage if a thunderstorm hits

Teams can push their cars into the garage if a thunderstorm hits

Once all cars are lined up – or have been given the opportunity to join the back – the restart time will be announced through the official messaging system. In all cases, teams will be given at least ten minutes’ notice.

From that point, the race would resume in accordance with Article 58 of the Sporting Regulations.

What is the forecast for Sunday in Miami?

Located in the state of Florida, weather conditions in Miami are always unpredictable and can change with little warning. Forecasts currently suggest a dry Friday for FP1 and Sprint Qualifying, and dry Saturday for the Sprint Race and Qualifying. However, there remains a real chance of thunderstorms on Sunday, the day of the main race.

For the opening day of the Miami Grand Prix, Friday’s forecast for the first practice session – the only free practice session – and Sprint Qualifying is partly sunny, with a high of around 29°C and no risk of rain.

On Saturday, for the Sprint Race and the main qualifying session, temperatures are expected to reach 31°C, with just a 10% chance of rain and mostly sunny skies.

Sunday’s forecast points to more difficult conditions, with pleasant temperatures of around 28°C, but with an 88% chance of rain and a 53% chance of thunderstorms.

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