The Miami Grand Prix is at risk of being canceled due to the forecasted bad weather conditions. The race on Sunday can either be canceled or postponed because of the thunderstorms expected to pass over the circuit. Since the medical helicopter cannot take off under such conditions, there is still uncertainty about whether the Grand Prix will take place.
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The Miami weekend could become the third race in a row that does not go ahead. There is a 30% chance of rain during the race, with an additional chance of thunderstorms. The rain itself is not the problem, due to the rain tires that have been developed over the years. Lightning and thunderstorms, on the other hand, can cause serious problems. If a thunderstorm passes over the circuit, the medical helicopter cannot fly over the circuit to provide medical assistance. As a result, the race would officially not be allowed to start.
Local weather forecasts
According to local weather forecasts from NBC 6 South Florida, the chance of rain is currently around 30 to 40 percent. It will be sunny at the start of the day, but as the afternoon progresses, there is an increasing chance of thunderstorms. This is now at 55%. This increases the likelihood that the race control will have to intervene. However, the official Formula 1 website is more optimistic. They say there may be “possible showers,” but no severe downpours are expected. They report that it will be warm on Sunday, but the chance of rain is 30%.
The weather looks better for Friday and Saturday, as there is no chance of rain and temperatures hover around 30 degrees, just like on Sunday. The sprint qualifying and sprint race can therefore proceed as planned. If the race is postponed or canceled, it means there will again be a two-week gap without a race. The next Grand Prix weekend is that of Canada on May 24.
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When will the race be canceled?
Last year there was also a chance that the Miami Grand Prix would not go ahead due to weather conditions. During the F1 Academy race scheduled for Sunday last season, the weather conditions were so bad that it was ultimately canceled. The drivers drove the formation lap behind the Safety Car, but soon faced serious grip problems and poor visibility.
At that time, the FIA issued a statement about their protocol for such situations. They stated that the race is suspended if there is a lightning strike on the circuit or in the surrounding areas. All cars must then return to the pit lane, and if an official message is issued, the cars must be pushed back into the garages. The doors remain open until further notice. Additionally, the governing body waits to announce the starting grid until race control is convinced it is safe to race.
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