FIA release statement over Miami Grand Prix suspension | F1 | Sport

The FIA have stated they are “closely monitoring” the Miami Grand Prix amid rumours that it could be rescheduled due to thunderstorms. While conditions are expected to remain dry throughout most of the weekend, the latest forecasts for Sunday show heavy thunderstorms hitting the race area.

The GP is set to begin at 4pm local time (9pm BST), but this could be moved forward due to a lightning risk. An FIA spokesperson said: “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 programme.”

The Miami GP is set to be the first race back on the F1 calendar after a five week break. This is due to the cancellation of races in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, amid ongoing conflicts across the area.

Despite growing concerns around the race being rescheduled or cancelled, Express F1 reporter Daniel Moxon states the FIA are not as worried as some may think. He said: “The FIA isn’t as worried about the threat of thunderstorms tomorrow as some headlines have made out.

“There’s been some talk online that Sunday’s race might get cancelled because of the chunk of angry tropical weather heading towards Florida. In reality, there are already contingency plans in place depending on what the forecast looks like on Sunday morning.

“That includes potentially bringing the start time forward, like they did at the 2024 Brazil race. And if lightning does strike during the Grand Prix, bosses are confident that they can pause the race with a red flag rather than abandon it altogether.

“As for now, it’s bright, sunny and hot in Miami currently with shelter from the sun more on people’s minds than anything else.”

As per current reports, the Grand Prix is set to go ahead at the Miami International Autodrome this weekend.