Will Miami GP start time change? The challenges facing the FIA and F1

The FIA is assessing whether it is necessary to move the start time of the Miami Grand Prix, based on the latest weather predictions. Potentially heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast for Sunday, which could make it necessary to adjust the Formula 1 timetable.

According to the initial plan, the race is set to begin at 4:00pm local time, but two meetings are scheduled to take place after Saturday’s qualifying session to decide whether that is the most sensible time slot. First, the FIA will look at the most up-to-date weather forecasts, after which a broader meeting with all stakeholders will follow.

The schedule for the Miami GP is quite packed, as Formula 2 has also been added to the timetable due to the cancellation of races in the Middle East. However, when asked, the FIA indicated that reshuffling the schedule is not the biggest challenge.

Ensuring that the F1 race can take place is the top priority, meaning that F2 and the Porsche Cup can be moved if necessary.

The biggest challenge, however, is that the weather in Florida is difficult to predict, making it hard to determine what the best window for the F1 race will be.

This is not only due to the potentially heavy rain, but even more so because of local legislation regarding thunderstorms and lightning.

Wet weather has hit Miami before

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

If lightning is detected within 8 miles of the track, the event must be suspended. In that case, everyone present must seek shelter. Fans can do so in the Hard Rock Stadium, marshals can shelter in buses, and team members, logically, in the garages.

In such a scenario, however, it is advised to only resume once there has been no lightning for half an hour. The thunderstorms are currently difficult to predict, which is why the FIA wants to delay the decision for as long as possible in order to obtain an accurate picture.

The following forecast could be read on the FIA’s weather portal on Saturday morning: “Chances for precipitation sharply increase at the circuit Sunday as a disturbance to the north dislodges a cold front across southern Florida.

“The front will stall during the afternoon while interacting with an unstable environment, allowing for the development of widespread rain showers and embedded thunderstorms.

“The chance for precipitation will be highest late Sunday afternoon and early evening. There may also be a morning round of lighter rain showers that impact the circuit.

“Any thunderstorm in the afternoon will be capable of producing 25-35 mm/hr rainfall rates, frequent lightning, wind gusts from 50-80kph, and perhaps small hail.”

The FIA still has an action plan from last year that it can fall back on to comply with the local laws, although the main challenge is determining the optimal window for the race. Clarity on this is expected this evening.

Following the Miami GP sprint race, the FIA officially declared a Rain Hazard ahead of qualifying.