F1 Miami GP sprint race suspended due to heavy rain

The start of the Miami Grand Prix sprint race has been suspended due to terrible conditions as heavy rain hit the Formula 1 circuit.

Rain showers hit the Miami Autodrome in the morning, leading to Saturday afternoon's 19-lap sprint race starting behind the safety car.

But after two formation laps it became apparent the visibility and standing water were still far too excessive to allow the race to start, with FIA race control deciding to suspend the starting procedure and throw a red flag.

Even from second in the queue, McLaren's Oscar Piastri labelled the visibility as "terrible", reporting rivers on the track at Turn 10.

Charles Leclerc failed to make the start after crashing out on the laps to the grid, aquaplaning off the road in his Ferrari while on intermediate tyres.

Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set to defend his sprint pole from McLaren's championship leader Piastri, with Lando Norris and Max Verstappen on the second row.

Drivers vacated their cars after the starting procedure was suspended. The sprint race will now commence at 28 past the hour.