The Miami Grand Prix has adjusted its schedule to start at 1pm local time due to forecasts of heavy rain and thunderstorms. This change aims to allow the race to be completed before adverse weather conditions set in.
Kimi Antonelli will start from pole position, having a 6-point lead over George Russell. The race start time moved from 4pm to 1pm, indicating a strategic shift by the organizers to navigate the expected wet conditions.
The Miami GP joined the Formula 1 calendar in 2022. It has quickly become known for its unique street circuit layout and vibrant atmosphere. The weather has posed challenges in previous events, prompting officials to adapt their strategies accordingly.
This year’s event follows a competitive start to the season, with Mercedes winning the first three races. A McLaren one-two finish in the Miami Sprint also highlighted the tightening competition among top teams.
Key facts:
- Kimi Antonelli’s pole position gives him an advantage over competitors.
- The race now starts at 1pm local time instead of 4pm.
- The forecast predicts thunderstorms during the afternoon.
Laurent Mekies commented on Isack Hadjar’s disqualification from qualifying, stating, “We made a mistake and we respect the decision of the Stewards.” He added that they would learn from this incident and assess their processes moving forward.
The hope is that the race can be completed before heavier rainfall is expected later in the day. Teams will need to monitor tyre performance closely as conditions may change rapidly on the street circuit.