Thunderstorms Threaten F1 Miami Grand Prix: Wet Weather Dominates Weekend Plans

F1 Miami Grand Prix Faces Weather Crisis Ahead of Return

The 2026 F1 Miami Grand Prix is set to make a soggy return this weekend, with weather conditions threatening to dominate the event. Forecasts predict heavy rain and thunderstorms on Sunday, prompting discussions about potential schedule changes.

Drivers and Teams Brace for Wet Conditions

Drivers have expressed concerns about navigating the new regulations in wet weather. Oscar Piastri of McLaren highlighted the challenges, stating,

"It’ll be interesting. I don’t think many of us have driven these cars in the rain before, maybe a couple of people in Barcelona at the shakedown. But I think they’re going to be challenging cars to drive in the rain just because of some of the quirks that they have."

Sergio Pérez of Red Bull Racing added,

"I understand that there is a meeting later on with the FIA to double-check the scenario for Sunday because apparently, it’s looking really bad. So, we’ll see if there are any changes on the schedule for the weekend."

FIA Monitors Weather with Contingency Plans

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has issued a statement confirming it is closely monitoring the situation. An FIA spokesperson noted,

"We are closely monitoring the weather forecast for this weekend. Having faced a similar situation last year in Miami with threats of thunderstorms, we have a contingency plan in place and will activate it if needed to minimise disruption to the on-track program."

Last Year’s Wet Weather Disruptions

Last year’s Miami Grand Prix saw wet weather force the cancellation of the second F1 Academy race and the F1 Sprint race began in challenging conditions. Charles Leclerc crashed in those conditions ahead of the F1 Sprint race and did not start the race.

Forecasts Predict Heavy Rain on Sunday

As of Friday morning, forecasts indicate showers in the morning, with heavy thunderstorms expected Sunday afternoon. There is an 85% chance of rain and up to a half-inch of precipitation during the afternoon.

Few Drivers Experienced New Cars in Wet Conditions

Piastri noted that few drivers have operated this year’s machinery in wet conditions due to the extended break and new regulations. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, the current championship leader, is one of the few who has experienced the new cars in wet conditions. He described the experience as "tricky."

"Yeah, I drove the car when we did the shakedown in Silverstone in the wet and definitely it was very tricky."

What’s Next for the Miami Grand Prix?

The FIA is expected to make a decision on potential schedule changes following a meeting to assess the weather scenario. Teams and drivers will continue to prepare for the possibility of a wet race, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the event.