FIA Announces Schedule Changes for Miami Grand Prix

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has confirmed a significant alteration to the schedule for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, set to take place from May 1-3, 2024. The opening practice session, Free Practice 1 (FP1), will be extended from the usual one hour to 90 minutes. This session is now scheduled to run from 12:00 to 13:30 local time, with all preceding track activities adjusted to start 30 minutes earlier.

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The decision to extend FP1 was made following consultations with various stakeholders and is attributed to several factors. The FIA stated that the change recognizes the five-week break since the last Grand Prix, recent regulatory and technical adjustments, and the unique Sprint format of the Miami Grand Prix, which typically limits practice time. This extension is expected to provide teams and drivers with additional track time to reacclimatize and adapt to the new regulations.

FIA shakes up Miami GP schedule with extended practice session

Despite the changes to FP1, the overall schedule for the Miami Grand Prix weekend remains intact. Sprint Qualifying is set for 16:30 local time on Friday, followed by the second Sprint race of the season at 12:00 on Saturday. Qualifying for the main race will occur later that day at 16:00, with the Grand Prix itself scheduled to start at 16:00 on Sunday.

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In an official statement, the FIA emphasized the importance of the extended practice session, noting, “This decision has been taken in recognition of the gap since the last Grand Prix, the recently announced regulatory and technical adjustments, and the fact that as the Miami Grand Prix operates under the Sprint format which reduces the amount of practice time available over the course of the weekend.”

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While the FIA's decision has been generally well-received, some critics have raised concerns regarding the effectiveness of the extended practice session in addressing the challenges posed by the current regulations. There are ongoing discussions among teams about how these regulatory changes will impact performance, particularly for teams like Mercedes and Ferrari, who have faced scrutiny in the early rounds of the season.

FIA shakes up Miami GP schedule with key session change

As the Miami Grand Prix approaches, teams will be closely monitoring the impact of the extended practice session on their performance. Additionally, the FIA is expected to implement several rule changes aimed at addressing ongoing concerns raised by drivers regarding the current regulations. These adjustments will be closely watched as the season progresses.

FIA shakes up Miami GP schedule with key session change

• “Following consultation with all stakeholders, it has been agreed that Free Practice 1 at the Miami Grand Prix will be extended to 90 minutes. As a result, the session will now run from 12:00 to 13:30 local time. All other track sessions planned before FP1 will also move forward by 30 minutes.” — FIA Statement

FIA shakes up Miami GP schedule with key session change

The Miami Grand Prix is poised to be a pivotal event in the 2024 Formula One season, with teams eager to leverage the additional practice time to enhance their competitive edge.

FIA announce major change to Miami Grand Prix weekend as new regulations confirmed