Miami Grand Prix at risk of suspension due to US law as F1 faces chaos | F1 | Sport
After a month-long hiatus, Formula One returns this week for the Miami Grand Prix in Florida… or at least, that’s the plan. But race organisers have been left fretting ahead of the weekend because of heavy rain forecasts that could see the action suspended, as per US law.
According to some forecasts, there is an 88 per cent chance of rain on Sunday, but more importantly, a 53 per cent chance of thunderstorms. It’s the last figure that has race control sweating, as all major outdoor public events in the States have to be halted if there’s a threat of thunderstorms within a few miles.
In this situation, the medical helicopter would not be allowed to go airborne, while the spectators would also be asked to leave the venue. It means there’s a chance drivers could be returned to the pit lane because of a red flag, even if the race conditions would be deemed acceptable elsewhere.
The Formula One chiefs wouldn’t have much of a say in that situation, but they themselves have taken steps to mitigate the risks. As a result, a special rule is in place for all three of the races Stateside, meaning teams can work on their cars in the garage, instead of outdoors in the pit lane.
If thunderstorms were to hit and the race were to be stopped, all cars would have to return to the pit and stop in the fast lane. When every car has returned, they’ll be told to move them to the garages, and any cars already in the garage the moment the race is suspended will be placed at the back if the race restarts.
Should bad weather strike once the race has begun, it will leave F1 at risk of failing to complete the Grand Prix. Rules dictate that if a race is suspended, the time between the start and the final chequered flag cannot exceed three hours.
If there are any disruptions to the race, it will no doubt be met with great frustration from the motorsport world, given it’s been over 30 days since the last outing. Both the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain races were cancelled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
After three races, it’s Kimi Antonelli who leads the way, ahead of Mercedes team-mate George Russell in second place. Ferrari have enjoyed a solid start to the season, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton making up third and fourth. Reigning champion Lando Norris sits fifth, ahead of team-mate Oscar Piastri in sixth, while four-time winner Max Verstappen trails all the way down in ninth.
