Miami Grand Prix hit by lightning risk as FIA issue official ‘race suspension’ announcement
The 2025 Miami Grand Prix is facing a major weather-related disruption as a serious risk of lightning threatens to impact the weekend’s schedule. Originally expected to proceed under relatively mild weather conditions, forecasts have taken a dramatic turn, with the likelihood of rain for the main race surging to 78 percent. This marks a significant increase from earlier predictions, which estimated less than a 40 percent chance of rainfall.
The Miami International Autodrome has already experienced weather complications earlier in the race weekend. The F1 Academy, an all-female development series, had to cancel Race 2 due to the extreme wet conditions. The race did not proceed past the formation stage, as drivers were unable to safely navigate the track behind the safety car. The deteriorating weather raised concerns about safety and visibility, forcing organizers to call off the event before a proper start could be executed.
In light of these worsening conditions, Formula 1’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), has issued an official warning and outlined potential contingency plans. The FIA has announced that the Grand Prix may be subject to suspension if the threat of lightning intensifies around the circuit. This decision has been made to align with local public safety guidelines, which prioritize the protection of all personnel, including drivers, teams, officials, and spectators.
The FIA’s official statement emphasized the importance of adhering to safety standards in the face of severe weather: “In accordance with local public safety standards there is a possibility that the race can be suspended due to risk of lightning strike at or around the circuit, in order to facilitate all personnel to ‘shelter in place’ in a relevant location.” This measure is intended to ensure that everyone on-site can take appropriate shelter and avoid exposure to hazardous conditions.
Lightning presents a particularly dangerous threat in motorsport environments, where large metal structures and open spaces heighten the risk. As such, the governing body’s decision to prepare for a possible race suspension underscores the priority placed on safety over the continuation of scheduled activities.
The possibility of a suspended race adds another layer of uncertainty to the Miami Grand Prix, which is the sixth round in the 2025 Formula 1 championship calendar. Fans and teams alike are now preparing for the possibility of delays or even a shortened race. Teams may need to adjust strategies on the fly, while fans attending the event will need to remain alert for further weather updates and official announcements from race control.
The unexpected turn in weather has shifted the tone of the weekend dramatically. What was forecast to be a typical race weekend now hangs in the balance as organizers monitor the conditions closely. The situation remains fluid, and further developments will depend on how the storm patterns evolve in the hours leading up to the race.
As Formula 1 continues to navigate unpredictable weather events, the Miami Grand Prix serves as another reminder of the challenges outdoor motorsport events face. The FIA’s proactive approach in issuing early warnings and emphasizing public safety reflects the sport’s commitment to responsible event management in the face of environmental threats.
