After a month-long impromptu hiatus due to the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs because of the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, the break is finally over for one race weekend in Miami. Then another long three-week game to Montreal; it doesn't feel like the F1 season has really started.
But there are concerns that Miami will now be cancelled. Due to extreme weather or safety concerns about the medical helicopter, the number of races could be reduced to 21.
It has been forecast for rain and thunderstorms on race day. This track is no stranger to rain, having previously produced dramatic races in wet conditions.
US public safety laws could force the suspension of major outdoor sporting events when lightning is detected nearby. This is something seen at last year's Club World Cup, where games were delayed by hours until it was clear.
Unlike other countries, the US F1 event would be halted if thunderstorms approached. The key concerns are around lightning risk to spectators, medical helicopters being unable to fly and unsafe conditions for marshals and staff.
While the weekend will likely go ahead, it will not come without some hiccups and possible changes to timing, and maybe a red-flag suspension, even with the rainfall being manageable.
Forecast Breakdown (via AccuWeather)
- Friday:
- Partly sunny
- 28–31°C
- <5% chance of rain
- Humidity up to 86%
- Saturday:
- Mostly dry
- 31–32°C
- ~10% rain chance
- Sprint race and qualifying expected to run as scheduled
- Sunday (Race Day):
- Around 28°C
- 88% chance of rain
- 53% chance of thunderstorms
- Wind direction shift and gusts up to 14mph
An FIA spokesperson confirmed contingency plans are in place: “We are closely monitoring the weather forecast for this weekend… we will activate contingency plans if needed to minimise disruption.”
Under Article 57 of the Sporting regulations, the race would be suspended, and the car would have to return to the pit lane. Teams would then be instructed to push cars into the garage, whose doors will remain open. Limited work is permitted under Article 57,4, provided it does not delay the restart.
A restart would be published at least 18 minutes before resumption, with teams given a minimum of 10 minutes' notice before the racing results are announced.
Across all US races, teams are allowed to work on cars in garages during thunderstorm-related red flags, unlike at other events, where work must be done outdoors.
This situation is even more complicated because it is a sprint-format weekend, so there is more to do in the same amount of time. There is only one 90-minute practice session, and there is also a trial of new regulations the FIA has enforced from this race regarding the power units. Sunday is highly vulnerable to thunderstorms, not flooding, but they are the main risks. A race suspension would therefore be mandatory, not discretionary.
If storms develop as forecast, the Miami Grand Prix could face delays, red flags, or temporary suspension regardless of track conditions. With it also being a sprint weekend, every minute is accounted for, so there could be significant disruption and impact on the driver standardings as a result.
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