Formula 1 has confirmed a significant change to the Miami Grand Prix weekend format, extending the opening practice session as the FIA continues refining its controversial new regulations package.
Formula 1 has confirmed a notable format change for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, with Free Practice 1 (FP1) being extended from 60 minutes to 90 minutes as part of ongoing adjustments to its 2026 regulation cycle.
The FIA said the decision follows consultation with stakeholders and comes amid continued “refinements” to new technical and sporting rules introduced this season. The change has been implemented to give teams more track time after a long gap in the calendar and to help them adapt to updated systems, including revised energy management rules.
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What exactly is changing?
FP1, which is usually the shortest practice session of a Grand Prix weekend, will now run for an extra 30 minutes. The revised session will take place from 12:00 to 13:30 local time, with all other Friday sessions adjusted forward by half an hour.
The rest of the weekend structure remains unchanged:
- Sprint Qualifying: Friday evening (16:30 local time)
- Sprint Race: Saturday (12:00 local time)
- Grand Prix Qualifying: Saturday (16:00 local time)
- Main Race: Sunday (16:00 local time)
The Miami round continues to operate under F1’s Sprint format, which already reduces total practice time compared to traditional race weekends.
Why F1 has made this adjustment
The FIA cited three main reasons behind the change:
- A significant break since the previous race weekend
- Recent updates to F1’s regulatory framework
- Reduced preparation time under Sprint weekend conditions
- Officials said the extra 30 minutes will help teams gather more data, particularly as they adapt to recent tweaks in aerodynamic rules, tyre usage strategies, and energy deployment systems.
What it means for teams and drivers
The extension is expected to give teams more flexibility in car setup work and long-run simulations, which are often restricted in Sprint weekends.
With only one practice session available in this format, FP1 becomes critical for understanding track conditions, tyre behaviour, and race strategy. The added time could prove particularly valuable for newer drivers and teams still adjusting to 2026 regulation changes.
Bigger picture: F1 still refining its format
The move also highlights that Formula 1 is still fine-tuning its current competitive structure. The combination of Sprint weekends and evolving technical rules has drawn mixed reactions from drivers and fans, with concerns often centred on reduced preparation time and increased pressure on a single practice session.
The Miami adjustment suggests the sport is willing to make mid-season tweaks to maintain competitive balance while preserving the entertainment-focused Sprint format.
Why it matters
While the change may appear minor, it reflects a broader tension in modern F1 — balancing innovation and showmanship with the practical needs of teams.
As the season progresses, further refinements to weekend formats and regulations are expected, particularly if teams continue to raise concerns about preparation time and race consistency.
Published: 23 Apr 2026, 07:53 pm IST
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