Miami Grand Prix Gets Extended Practice Session: FIA Adjusts Weekend Format

Longer Free Practice for the Miami Grand Prix

According to Главком: The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has announced that the first free practice session for the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix will now last 90 minutes. This adjustment comes as part of the sprint weekend structure and aligns with technical regulation changes set for the 2026 season. As a result, the opening practice runs 30 minutes longer, and all other sessions scheduled before FP1 will start 30 minutes earlier.

Current Formula 1 Championship Standings

In the ongoing Formula 1 championship, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli leads the standings with two wins from three Grands Prix and 72 points. His closest rival, fellow Mercedes driver George Russell, sits in second place with 63 points. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc holds third place with 49 points. Mercedes also tops the Constructors' Championship with 135 points, while Ferrari trails with 90 points.

The Japanese Grand Prix has already taken place, while the rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were canceled. The next event, the Miami Grand Prix, is scheduled from May 1 to 3, followed by the Montreal round on May 22–24. By extending free practice, the FIA aims to give teams more time to fine-tune their cars under the new regulations, which will undoubtedly influence upcoming race outcomes.

This decision by the FIA could significantly impact how teams prepare for future races, as the extra practice time allows drivers to better adapt their vehicles to the updated technical requirements. Given that Mercedes currently shows strong form, they may leverage this new format to solidify their championship advantage. The Miami Grand Prix, a key stop on the calendar, will serve as another test for all teams as they adjust to regulatory changes.

The adjustments to the Miami Grand Prix format reflect broader changes in the Formula 1 landscape, particularly with the potential return of previously canceled races. As the FIA considers reinstating either the Bahrain or Saudi Arabian Grand Prix for the 2026 season, the implications for team strategies and championship standings could be significant. To learn more about these possible developments, check out our detailed analysis on the future of the F1 calendar.