Formula 1 is finally back in action as the 2026 season resumes with the Miami Grand Prix 2026, kicking off a highly anticipated sprint weekend at the Miami International Autodrome on Friday, May 1. After a disrupted start to the season and a lengthy five-week pause, teams and drivers return eager to regain momentum and adapt to recent changes.
The unexpected break in the calendar came after the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. As a result, Formula 1 has not held a race since the Japanese Grand Prix in March. This long gap has created a unique situation, prompting the FIA to introduce adjustments aimed at helping teams get back up to speed quickly.
One of the most notable changes for the Miami weekend is the extension of Friday’s only practice session. Normally lasting 60 minutes, Free Practice 1 (FP1) has been increased to 90 minutes. This decision reflects the absence of additional practice sessions typically available during a standard race weekend. Because Miami follows the sprint format, there is no FP2 or FP3, making the single practice outing even more crucial.
The FIA explained that the extended session is intended to compensate for the lack of track time following the enforced break, as well as to allow teams to properly evaluate minor regulatory and technical updates introduced during the downtime. With limited opportunities to fine-tune setups, gather data, and test upgrades, every minute on track will be valuable.
FP1 is scheduled to begin at 12:00 local time (Eastern Time), which translates to 17:00 in the United Kingdom and 18:00 across much of Central Europe. For fans in Africa, including Nigeria, the session will start at 18:00 local time. This session will set the tone for the rest of the sprint weekend, which also features sprint qualifying later on Friday.
Heading into Miami, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team lead the constructors’ championship, thanks to strong early performances from George Russell and rising star Kimi Antonelli. Antonelli, just 19 years old, has made history by becoming the youngest driver ever to lead the drivers’ standings after the opening rounds of a season. His rapid rise has been one of the standout stories of 2026 so far.
Russell, widely regarded as a title favorite at the start of the campaign, has also delivered consistently strong results, giving Mercedes a solid advantage over their rivals. The big question now is whether the team can maintain their dominance after the long break, especially with competitors working hard behind the scenes to close the gap.
Scuderia Ferrari are expected to be among the main challengers this weekend. The Italian outfit used the extended downtime to refine their package and address weaknesses seen in the opening races. Miami could provide the perfect stage for them to mount a comeback and reinsert themselves into the title fight.
Fans around the world will be able to follow the action through various broadcasters depending on their region. In Africa, coverage is typically available via SuperSport, while viewers in the United Kingdom can tune in through Sky Sports. In the United States, the event will be streamed on Apple TV, which is offering a free seven-day trial that includes Formula 1 coverage for new users.
Additionally, F1’s own streaming service, F1 TV Pro, provides live coverage in selected regions, offering onboard cameras, team radio, and in-depth analysis for dedicated fans.
With a condensed format, limited practice time, and evolving regulations, the Miami Grand Prix promises an unpredictable and action-packed return for Formula 1. Teams must quickly adapt, drivers will need to find confidence on track almost immediately, and fans can expect intense competition from the very first session of the weekend.
As the engines fire up once again in Miami, the 2026 season enters a critical phase—one that could shape the championship battle in the races to come.
