Story perspectives

Miami GP Threatened by 85% Thunderstorm Risk, Drivers Warn

5/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

The 2026 Miami Grand Prix on Sunday at 16:00 faces weather risk.
Forecasts give an 85% chance of thunderstorms Sunday and an 88% chance of rain Saturday qualifying.
Florida law forces a stop if lightning is within 13 km, grounding the medical helicopter.
The FIA may declare a “Rain Hazard” hours before start if rain exceeds 40% while drivers Sergio Perez, Oscar Piastri, Carlos Sainz and Kimi Antonelli warned about wet-weather safety and boost-mode ban.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 the FIA launched major safety reforms that began tying weather incidents to rule changes. After the rain-shortened 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, Pirelli added a full-wet tyre in 2023, joining the usual three wet-weather compounds, so the FIA’s rain-hazard protocol now underpins decisions for events such as the 2026 Miami Grand Prix.

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Story summary

The 2026 Miami Grand Prix on Sunday at 16:00 faces weather risk.
Forecasts give an 85% chance of thunderstorms Sunday and an 88% chance of rain Saturday qualifying.
Florida law forces a stop if lightning is within 13 km, grounding the medical helicopter.
The FIA may declare a “Rain Hazard” hours before start if rain exceeds 40% while drivers Sergio Perez, Oscar Piastri, Carlos Sainz and Kimi Antonelli warned about wet-weather safety and boost-mode ban.

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