F1 Miami GP: Friday practice schedule, weather, and how to watch

Formula 1 resumes its 2026 season with the Miami Grand Prix at the Miami International Autodrome, returning after an unexpected five-week hiatus. It will be the first race back after the FIA made some tweaks to the hotly debated regulations.

First held in 2022, this race features tight street course that is set to be part of the F1 calendar until at least 2041 in a historic deal.

Mercedes remains the clear favorites after winning the opening three rounds of the season, however, it is teenager Kimi Antonelli who holds the championship lead after winning the last two events. He is nine points ahead of team-mate George Russell in the standings.

Friday’s running begins with the only practice session of the weekend, before sprint qualifying starts mere hours later.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of Friday practice for the Miami Grand Prix.

How can I watch the F1 Miami GP?

Broadcast coverage of Formula 1 varies by region. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports continues as the championship’s exclusive broadcaster, showing every session live throughout the 2026 season. Coverage can also be streamed via Sky Go or NOW, and highlights of the race will be available free-to-air on Channel 4. 

In the United States, Apple TV is the primary broadcast partner for the 2026 season, with all sessions available on the platform following a multi-year deal. F1 TV remains the series’ global subscription streaming service.

Motorsport.com will provide live text commentary of every session, beginning with Free Practice 1, followed by sprint qualifying.

F1 Miami GP schedule

_{All times local to Miami}

Friday, May 1 -- Free Practice 1 -- 12:00pm EST

Friday, May 1 -- Sprint Shootout Qualifying -- 4:30pm EST 

Saturday, May 2 -- Sprint Race -- 12:00pm EST 

Saturday, May 2 -- Grand Prix Qualifying -- 4:00pm EST 

Sunday, May 3 -- 2026 Miami Grand Prix Race -- 4:00pm EST

What is the weather forecast for F1 Miami GP Friday practice and sprint qualifying?

Weather conditions in Miami are always unpredictable and ever-changing, but forecasts call for a dry Friday and Saturday, with a real chance of thunderstorms on Sunday -- above 80% chance.

For Friday’s opening practice session and sprint qualifying, it will be partly sunny with a high around 85F / 29C and no chance of precipitation. Moving to Saturday for the sprint race and GP qualifying, it's expected for the high to reach 88F / 31C, with just a 10% chance of rain and mostly sunny skies. 

Early Sunday forecasts ahead of the Miami GP point to cloudier, but still around 82F / 28F, and 80% chance of afternoon thunderstorms developing.

Miami Track Facts

• Circuit: Miami International Autodrome
• Location: Miami Gardens, Florida 
• Circuit length: 3.363 mi (5.412 km)
• Turns: 19
• First Formula 1 race: 2022

2026 Formula 1 Driver & Team Roster