Arabic version: تعديل موعد انطلاق سباق ميامي الكبرى بسبب مخاوف الطقس

The Miami Grand Prix has been moved forward by three hours to 18:00 BST (13:00 local time) because of the threat of thunderstorms. According to BBC News, the decision was made by commercial rights holder F1 and governing body the FIA on Saturday evening in Miami to minimize disruptions and ensure safety for drivers, fans, and teams.

World champion Lando Norris expressed that the expected wet conditions present a significant challenge, stating that most drivers have yet to experience the 2026 cars in such weather. The massive amount of electrical power available in the new engines has created unpredictability regarding performance in the rain.

The F1 and FIA statement noted that the weather forecast indicates heavier rainstorms will arrive closer to the original race start time. By moving the race up, officials aim to complete the event before the worst weather hits, which is expected around 15:00 local time.

Norris’s teammate, Oscar Piastri, remarked on the unpredictability of racing in wet conditions, emphasizing the challenges posed by the new power units. He noted that visibility and the risk of aquaplaning would be critical factors during the race.

The forecast for rain adds an extra layer of unpredictability to a weekend that has already seen fluctuating performances among teams. With major upgrades introduced by McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari, the rain could significantly impact how the cars compete against one another, as few drivers have experience with the new cars in wet conditions.