F1 Miami GP 2026 Preview, India Timings, and Where To Watch

After an unplanned three-week break, it's finally race week!

Formula 1 heads to Florida for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix - the fourth round of the calendar this year. 

Having won all three of the races so far and leading both championships, can Mercedes make it four in a row?

Now, while Miami is not usually the most thrilling in terms of racing action, the updated rules and regulations implemented by F1 may make this race weekend worth tuning in for. 

F1 Regulation Changes for Miami and Onwards

For those of you who have not been up to speed with F1 news during this break, here is a brief overview of all the changes the sport has made:

Qualifying - Energy recharging/harvesting limit reduced from 8MJ to 7MJ so drivers don't have to spend as much time focusing on saving energy. Drivers can now push flat-out for more of the lap, as the peak superclipping power has been increased from 250kW to 350kW.

Race Starts - A low-power start detection system has been introduced to aid drivers who face a very slow race start. Additionally, their car's rear and side lights will also flash, alerting other drivers and preventing any incidents.

Better, Safer Racing - Boost mode now limited to an extra 150kW over the amount of energy the car is already deploying, instead of the entire 350kW that was previously available. This aims to eliminate massive speed differentials between an attacking and defending car.

For wet races, higher tyre blanket temperatures are now allowed for intermediate tyres to help drivers find grip immediately. The rear lights of the cars have been simplified for better visibility through the heavy spray.

It remains to be seen how these new regulations affect each team.

Also Read - What Regulation Changes Has F1 Made Before the 2026 Miami GP?
 

F1 Japanese GP 2026 Results

1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 25 points
2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 18 points
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 15 points

The Japanese Grand Prix saw Mercedes's Kimi Antonelli taking his second victory, that too in dominant fashion - over 13 seconds clear of Oscar Piastri in second place, with Charles Leclerc completing the podium.

If you watched it, you know it wasn't as straightforward as it sounds. Both Mercedes drivers lost multiple positions at the start to the Ferraris and McLarens, with Oscar Piastri coming through from third to first before Turn 1. Polesitter Antonelli, on the other hand, suffered yet another poor start off the line, dropping to sixth.

Just when it was starting to look like Piastri could win the race, having gained the net race lead after pitting on lap 19 for hard tyres, Oliver Bearman suffered a high-impact crash in his Haas, bringing out the Safety Car. This played perfectly into Antonelli's hands, who stayed out to get track position while the drivers ahead of him pitted. 

Getting a perfect pit stop window during this Safety Car period, Antonelli pitted and still came out in the lead, increasing the gap to Piastri as the rest of the race progressed, ultimately taking a comfortable win - and with that, the championship lead as well.

F1 Drivers' Championship Standings after Japanese GP
 

1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 72 points
2. George Russell (Mercedes) - 63 points
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 49 points
    

F1 Constructors' Championship Standings after Japanese GP
 

1. Mercedes - 135 points
2. Ferrari - 90 points
3. McLaren - 46 points
    

Also Read - Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV Revealed Globally, Gets 762km Range
 

F1 Miami GP 2026 Schedule

The 2026 Miami Grand Prix will be a Sprint weekend, with just one practice session, making it interesting amid all the regulation changes. 

Although F1 has increased the Free Practice 1 time from the usual 60 to 90 minutes, it would still have been ideal for the teams to have a traditional weekend, though it is better for us fans!

 All timings below are in Indian Standard Time (IST).

Miami GP Weekend Weather Forecast 

The weather forecast for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix suggests a weekend of two halves, with conditions likely to impact the race significantly. 

While Friday and Saturday are expected to be hot and dry with temperatures hitting 33°C, Sunday’s main event faces a major threat from rain. AccuWeather predicts an 88% chance of rain and a 53% risk of thunderstorms during the race. 

This has put teams on high alert because of a specific local law. In Florida, outdoor events must be suspended if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius. 

Since the race cannot be easily rescheduled, these potential storms could lead to lengthy delays or even a total cancellation of the Grand Prix. Drivers will need to be ready for rapidly changing track conditions.

Hopefully, we don't get a repeat of Spa (Belgian GP) 2021, when the race was suspended due to heavy rainfall. 

Where to Watch F1 Miami GP in India?

Every session can be streamed live on FanCode and F1TV in India. Tata Play subscribers can also watch it on the FanCode Sports TV channel.

All Image Credits: Formula 1