The Miami Grand Prix 2026 takes place on Sunday, May 3, marking the resumption of the F1 calendar after an unexpectedly lengthy April break caused by two cancelled races. This race carries real championship stakes—Mercedes enters Miami with momentum, and Kimi Antonelli could extend his lead in the Drivers’ Championship if he qualifies on pole and finishes ahead of rivals.
Key Takeaways
- Miami Grand Prix 2026 scheduled for Sunday, May 3, following an April break with no F1 races.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli won in Shanghai and took pole position at the Japanese GP, positioning him as a potential championship leader.
- Watch via Apple TV (US with 7-day free trial), Sky Sports (UK), Kayo Sports (Australia with free trial), F1 TV Pro, and free options on Channel 4 (UK).
- Access international streams using a VPN like NordVPN to unblock regional services from anywhere.
- No F1 races scheduled for April 2026, making Miami the next major event after the Japanese GP on March 27-29.
Miami Grand Prix 2026 Schedule and Race Time
The Miami Grand Prix 2026 takes place on Sunday, May 3. This is the first race following a significant calendar disruption—two cancelled races shortened the 2026 season and left April completely free of F1 action. The exact race start time in your region depends on your local time zone, but international broadcasters will carry the event live across their respective territories.
Leading into Miami, the Japanese Grand Prix on March 27-29 serves as the immediate predecessor. Kimi Antonelli’s pole position at Suzuka and his Shanghai victory earlier in the season set up Miami as a critical moment in the championship fight. Mercedes will be looking to capitalize on their strong form, and Antonelli’s performance over the next two races could define the championship narrative.
How to Watch Miami Grand Prix 2026 Live Stream
Multiple streaming platforms offer live coverage of the Miami Grand Prix 2026, with options varying by region. In the United States, Apple TV provides access to F1 races and includes a 7-day free trial. The United Kingdom can watch on Sky Sports, while Australian viewers have Kayo Sports with a free trial available. Canada’s TSN app covers practices, qualifying, and the race itself.
For fans seeking free options, Channel 4 in the UK broadcasts Formula 1 races without charge. Other European broadcasters offering free coverage include Servus TV and ORF On in Austria, RTBF in Belgium, and RTL Zwee in Luxembourg. F1 TV Pro remains available in select regions for comprehensive coverage.
The 2026 F1 season features 24 live televised races across these platforms, ensuring consistent access throughout the year. If your local broadcaster does not carry the event, a VPN can help you access streams from your home country or another region with coverage.
Watch Miami Grand Prix 2026 From Anywhere With a VPN
If you’re traveling or living outside your home country, a VPN allows you to access your usual local F1 streams. The process is straightforward: install a VPN app like NordVPN, connect to a server in your home country or a country with F1 coverage, then navigate to your preferred streaming service. This method works with most regional broadcasters, including Channel 4 (UK), Kayo Sports (Australia), Apple TV (US), and Sky Sports (UK).
NordVPN is frequently highlighted as a reliable option for unblocking international streams, with promotional offers including risk-free trials and discounts. Using a VPN is particularly useful if you’re abroad during the race and want to follow your home broadcast or if your region’s broadcaster doesn’t have rights to the event. Always check your streaming service’s terms of service regarding VPN use, as policies vary by platform.
Mercedes and Kimi Antonelli’s Championship Momentum
Kimi Antonelli’s early-season form makes the Miami Grand Prix 2026 a pivotal race for Mercedes. The young driver won in Shanghai and secured pole position at the Japanese Grand Prix on March 27-29, putting him in contention to lead the Drivers’ Championship heading into Miami. If Mercedes can maintain qualifying advantage and strong race pace, Antonelli could extend his lead significantly.
Mercedes’ strong start to the 2026 season suggests the team has solved key performance challenges from previous years. The Miami race will test whether their form holds on a street circuit, where setup compromises and qualifying performance become even more critical. A championship leader heading into May would reshape the narrative around Mercedes’ comeback and Antonelli’s potential as a future title contender.
Is the Miami Grand Prix 2026 free to watch?
In the UK, Channel 4 broadcasts the Miami Grand Prix 2026 for free. Other regions with free coverage include Austria (Servus TV, ORF On), Belgium (RTBF), and Luxembourg (RTL Zwee). However, most major markets require a paid subscription—Apple TV in the US (though with a 7-day free trial), Sky Sports in the UK (subscription required), and Kayo Sports in Australia (free trial available).
What time does the Miami Grand Prix 2026 start?
The exact race start time depends on your location. The Japanese Grand Prix, which immediately precedes Miami, begins at 6am BST / 1am ET on Sunday. Miami’s start time will follow the standard F1 schedule for the region, though the precise time has not been confirmed in available sources. Check your local broadcaster’s schedule closer to May 3 for the exact start time in your time zone.
Can I watch Miami Grand Prix 2026 on my phone or tablet?
Yes. Most F1 streaming services, including Apple TV, Sky Sports, Kayo Sports, and F1 TV Pro, offer mobile apps for phones and tablets. Download the app for your preferred service, log in with your subscription credentials, and stream the race live on your device. VPN apps also work on mobile, allowing you to access regional streams while traveling.
The Miami Grand Prix 2026 represents a crucial moment in the F1 season—Mercedes’ winning form and Kimi Antonelli’s championship positioning make this race essential viewing for anyone following the 2026 title fight. Whether you’re watching on a big screen at home or streaming on your phone during your commute, multiple platforms ensure you won’t miss the action on May 3.
This article was written with AI assistance and editorially reviewed.
Source: TechRadar

