(Motorsport-Total.com) – The Miami Grand Prix 2026 (follow here in the Formula 1 live ticker!) will start earlier than originally planned – already at 7 p.m. instead of 10 p.m. (CEST). This was decided by the Automobile World Federation (FIA), Formula 1 Management (FOM), and the local organizers on the eve of the race in Miami. The reason: heavy rain showers and even thunderstorms are expected at the actual race time.
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“This decision was made to keep possible interruptions of the race as minimal as possible, to create the largest possible time window for holding the Grand Prix under the best possible conditions, and to prioritize the safety of drivers, fans, teams, and track personnel,” the statement says.
Thunderstorms in particular could become a problem for Formula 1: In the USA, especially strict rules apply for outdoor events, which lead to an immediate interruption in case of lightning nearby. Participants, helpers, and spectators would have to evacuate the facility in this case – major delays would be the result. (Read all the details here!)
What the rain warning level means in Formula 1
But even if thunderstorms do not occur, it can become critical for Formula 1: Not all drivers have yet driven their 2026 cars on wet roads.
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For safety reasons, the FIA has already issued the rain warning level. This happens when a rain probability of more than 40 percent is forecast for the Grand Prix before qualifying.
The rain warning level affects the setup of the cars: Teams are allowed to adjust the ride height of their vehicles and the flap mechanism on the front wing. Both would not be allowed under normal parc fermé conditions.
Additionally, the race control can issue the “low grip” warning level during the Grand Prix. As a result, drivers no longer have an additional boost available and the energy output of the MGU-K is reduced from 350 to 250 kilowatts. Furthermore, the zones for the straight mode are shortened or canceled, and only the front wing may be flattened.
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