When the 2026 F1 Miami Grand Prix Starts

Formula 1 returns from a five-week hiatus this weekend with the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, set to start at 16:00 local time (21:00 BST / 22:00 CET) on Sunday, May 3rd. The event marks the fifth running of the Miami GP and the resumption of the season after the cancellation of the opening two rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Why it matters:

After an unusually long break to start the season, the Miami GP represents the true beginning of the 2026 championship fight. The extended gap has heightened anticipation, making this weekend's return to racing crucial for teams to establish early momentum and for fans to finally see the competitive order on track.

The details:

• The 57-lap Grand Prix is scheduled for a 16:00 local time (UTC-4) start on Sunday, May 3rd at the Miami International Autodrome.
• The weekend follows the revised Sprint format, packing track action into two days.
• Full Weekend Schedule (All times local, UTC-4):
  • Friday, May 1: Free Practice 1 (18:00 - 19:30), Sprint Qualifying (22:30 - 23:14)
  • Saturday, May 2: Sprint Race (18:00 - 19:00), Grand Prix Qualifying (22:00 - 23:00)
  • Sunday, May 3: GRAND PRIX (16:00 start)

What's next:

The lights go out in Miami to finally kick off a proper 2026 season. All eyes will be on which team has made the best use of the extended break and how the pecking order shapes up around the tight and challenging street circuit, setting the tone for the races to come.