MIAMI – Formula One officials have moved up Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix by three hours to a 1 p.m. start time in hopes of avoiding severe weather that’s forecast for the area.
The scheduling change came after organizers and the sport’s governing body FIA held discussions following Saturday night’s qualifying session at Hard Rock Stadium.
“This decision has been taken to ensure the least amount of disruption to the race, and to ensure the maximum possible window to complete the grand prix in the best conditions and to prioritise the safety of drivers, fans, teams and staff,” officials explained in their announcement.
The time adjustment has forced cancellation of a Porsche race along with several other supporting events scheduled for race day.
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who currently leads the championship standings, secured the top starting position for the fourth race of this season.
Competitors have not yet encountered rainy racing conditions during this new engine era that began with the Australian race in March, and the updated vehicles have already presented challenges even in dry weather.
Race organizers are especially worried about lightning strikes and have established protocols for suspending competition and implementing shelter procedures for racing teams if dangerous conditions develop.
