F1’s Miami Grand Prix schedule in doubt amid thunderstorm threat as Norris seizes pole for sprint race

Formula 1's return at the Miami Grand Prix faces some serious weather threats as forecasts predict heavy thunderstorms hitting the Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. Friday at the same venue was alright as Lando Norris clinched the pole position for Saturday's sprint race ahead of F1 2026 season leader Kimi Antonelli.

Norris registered the fastest lap with a timing of one minute 27.869 seconds, beating Mercedes' Antonelli by 0.222. Norris' McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri will start in third spot with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc also in the second row.

Norris seizes pole for sprint race

"A perfect result for us. A nice way to reward the team," Norris said. "We have a lot of new upgrades on the car. It's nice to feel some grip again and to reward the guys and the girls who have put a lot of work into this,

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"I've always loved Miami on and off the track. It's the beginning of the weekend, so still a long way to go but nice to tick things off by doing this."

By taking the pole, Norris also became the first driver in the 2026 season to deny Mercedes the first spot of any sort.

Meanwhile, Red Bull's Max Verstappen qualified fifth fastest in the first race since the engine rules were tweaked to produce more flat-out racing in qualifying and improve safety.

Mercedes' George Russell came sixth ahead of Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton and Alpine's Franco Colapinto. Red Bull's Isack Hadjar and Alpine's Pierre Gasly completed the top 10.

No F1 race in Miami?

While the sprint race on Saturday proceeds without a hitch, there are predictions of thunderstorms for Sunday. The laws in the US say to abandon any outdoor activity if a thunderstorm approaches. And this could force FIA to postpone the Miami Grand Prix.

A similar situation took place at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo, which was preponed by a few hours due to weather disturbances.

FIA has also said that they are ready with a 'contingency' plan in case rain plays spoilsport.

“We are closely monitoring the weather forecast for this weekend," FIA said.

“Having faced a similar situation last year in Miami with threats of thunderstorms, we have a contingency plan in place and will activate it if needed to minimise disruption to the on-track programme.”