Get the updated start time, streaming options and schedule highlights for the Miami Grand Prix
The Formula 1 season returns to action at the Miami Grand Prix after a five-week break, and organizers have adjusted the timetable in response to a severe weather forecast. The main event on Sunday, May 3, will now start at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT instead of the previously scheduled late-afternoon slot; that change follows the weekend sprint win by Lando Norris on May 2 and pole-setting efforts earlier in the weekend. For fans in the United States, the 2026 campaign also marks the beginning of a new streaming partnership: Apple TV holds exclusive U.S. rights to every on-track session, making it the central hub for practice, qualifying, sprint and the race itself.
If you plan to watch the weekend from home, understanding the available services and timing is essential. Apple TV bundles live coverage with on-demand features and an F1-dedicated hub; new subscribers can try a seven-day free trial before the monthly fee of $12.99 applies. There are also packaged options that pair Apple TV with Peacock — the combined plans are listed at $14.99 (Apple TV + Peacock Premium) and $19.99 (Apple TV + Peacock Premium Plus) per month — which may appeal if you want a broader streaming library during race weekends.
Apple TV is the official U.S. broadcaster for the Formula 1 2026 season under a multi-year agreement, so every session from the Miami Grand Prix is available there live and on demand. The service supports a wide range of devices — including smart TVs, tablets, smartphones, gaming consoles and web browsers via tv.apple.com — making it straightforward to follow practice laps, sprint qualifying and the race itself. Beyond live timing, the platform offers supplementary content such as technical explainers, team updates and the latest season highlights, plus the eighth season of Formula 1: Drive to Survive for context on storylines and rivalries.
To make the most of the weekend, set reminders inside the app for session start times and explore the Formula 1 hub for multicamera and replay options. If you’re attending in person, the circuit schedule lists key moments before the race — the Driver’s Parade and grid performances — that you might want to catch live on stream if you miss them at the venue. Remember that the Sunday race start has been moved to 1 p.m. ET because of the weather alert, so plan accordingly if you rely on broadcasts or travel plans.
For viewers in the U.S. seeking a lower-cost path, some opt to access free international broadcasters using a virtual private network. Services like ExpressVPN (plans advertised from about $2.79 per month at certain promotional rates) allow users to connect to servers in countries where free-to-air channels carry F1. One commonly cited option is Belgium’s RTBF, which streams all sessions — practice, qualifying, sprint and the Grand Prix — at no charge. Using a VPN to reach that feed can be the most economical way to watch, but be mindful of each service’s terms and the legal considerations of accessing content outside your region.
While the VPN + RTBF route can cut direct subscription costs, it lacks the integrated features that Apple TV provides, such as multicamera views, curated highlight packages and the F1 documentary catalog. If live extras, on-demand archives and a single consolidated platform matter to you, the official U.S. option remains the more complete experience; if budget is the primary concern, the international feed approach is often cited as the most cost-effective choice.
The Miami event is more than a standalone race: teams have used the recent break to bring upgrades and will adapt to revised rules introduced for the 2026 season, so every session is a window into development trends. The weekend schedule includes practice sessions on Friday, a sprint qualifying slot on Friday evening, the sprint on Saturday followed by traditional qualifying, and the main race on Sunday. The F1 Miami timetable also highlights fan-focused activities such as the Driver’s Parade and grid performances prior to lights out. Expect top teams — Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull — to reveal incremental pace improvements, while outfits like Aston Martin, Cadillac and Williams focus on climbing the order.
Whether you choose the official broadcaster or an alternative stream, verify session times and connectivity ahead of the weekend. The adjusted Sunday start at 1 p.m. ET on May 3 is the definitive update; confirm your app or VPN is ready, claim any trial period if you’re new to the platform, and enjoy the action as teams and drivers tackle the Miami circuit amid evolving technical and regulatory dynamics.