2026 Miami GP Sprint Qualifying Starts Today at 4:30 PM ET
Summary
Sprint qualifying for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix begins today at 4:30 PM ET (9:30 PM BST / 10:30 PM CET). The three‑segment knockout will set the grid for Saturday’s sprint race, with the weekend’s full schedule outlined.
Sprint qualifying for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix kicks off today at 16:30 ET (21:30 BST / 22:30 CET). The three‑segment knockout will trim the field from 20 cars to ten, setting the grid for Saturday’s sprint race.
Why it matters:
- Sprint points: The top three finishers in the sprint earn championship points, turning a good qualifying run into immediate title relevance.
- Strategic data: Teams test tyre wear and car set‑up on Miami’s tight street circuit under race‑like conditions, informing Sunday’s Grand Prix strategy.
- Fan boost: A Saturday sprint adds a high‑stakes, broadcast‑friendly showdown that drives viewership and ticket sales in a key U.S. market.
The details:
- Session timing: 16:30 ET / 21:30 BST / 22:30 CET, streamed live on all official F1 platforms.
- Format: SQ1 eliminates six cars, SQ2 eliminates another six, and SQ3 decides sprint pole among the final ten.
- Weekend schedule:
- Fri 1 May: Free Practice 1 (18:00‑19:30) and Sprint Qualifying (16:30‑17:14).
- Sat 2 May: Sprint Race (18:00‑19:00) followed by Grand Prix Qualifying (22:00‑23:00).
- Sun 3 May: Grand Prix (22:00‑23:59).
What's next:
- Sprint race: Starts Saturday at 18:00 ET; the winner takes three points, second place two, and third place one.
- Grand Prix: Sunday’s full‑point race follows a traditional qualifying session. Early points from Miami could shape the 2026 title fight as teams adapt to the new technical regulations.
Original Article :https://racingnews365.com/start-time-of-2026-f1-miami-grand-prix-sprint-qualifyi...