FIA confident in weather protocols as thunderstorm threats loom over Miami GP

The FIA says it is confident a full-distance Miami Grand Prix will be possible on Sunday, despite thunderstorms being forecast for race day in Florida.

Although hot and sunny conditions are expected throughout Friday and Saturday, the current forecast for race day brings a change, with the FIA’s weather provider stating:

“Chances for precipitation sharply increase at the circuit Sunday as a strong disturbance to the north dislodges a cold front across southern Florida. The most favored timing for the cold front to arrive is Sunday afternoon into early evening.

“There may be a morning round of rain showers that impact the circuit as well, but this wave of activity is not expected to be as widespread or heavy as the afternoon/early evening round of precipitation associated with the cold front.

“Given an afternoon arrival of the front, scattered thunderstorms will be possible with a couple posing a risk for intense wind gusts from 60-80 kph and large hail from 1-3 cm in diameter.”

Given the potential for thunderstorms impacting track running – with the 30/30 protocol recommending people shelter when the gap between lightning and thunder drops below 30 seconds, and stay in place until 30 minutes after the final thunder clap – the FIA is monitoring the situation and will consider a schedule change if necessary.

The grand prix is currently set to start at 4:00pm ET, but earlier support races could be moved or even canceled to create a wider window to try and host the race in, with any decision to move up the race start time to be taken on Saturday.