Just In: FIA issue official Miami GP ‘race suspension’ due to high Risk L….read More
2025 Miami Grand Prix Faces Lightning Threat as FIA Prepares for Potential Race Suspension
The 2025 Miami Grand Prix has encountered a significant weather-related disruption, with a high risk of lightning threatening to impact Sunday’s main race. The sixth round of the current Formula 1 season, held at the Miami International Autodrome, was initially expected to proceed under mostly dry conditions, with rain chances predicted to stay below 40%. However, an abrupt shift in weather patterns has caused those odds to surge dramatically, with a 78% chance of rain now looming over the event.
This sharp change in forecast follows treacherous weather during Saturday’s sprint events. The F1 Academy, Formula 1’s all-female feeder series, was directly affected as Race 2 had to be cancelled due to heavy rain and unsafe conditions. Drivers in the series struggled to maintain control even under the safety car, and the race start procedure was ultimately aborted. This cancellation highlighted the seriousness of the weather and set the stage for increased caution throughout the rest of the race weekend.
In response to the growing threat, the FIA—Formula 1’s governing body—has issued a formal statement outlining contingency measures in the event of lightning. The announcement, titled a “race suspension” advisory, states that should lightning strikes become a danger near or at the track, the Grand Prix may be paused in line with local public safety protocols.
The FIA’s statement clarified: “In accordance with local public safety standards, there is a possibility that the race can be suspended due to risk of lightning strike at or around the circuit, in order to facilitate all personnel to ‘shelter in place’ in a relevant location.”
All Formula 1 teams have now been briefed on the necessary procedures to follow in such circumstances. If the risk of lightning materializes during the race, the event will be suspended for safety reasons. According to Article 57 of the F1 Sporting Regulations, all cars on the track will be required to return immediately to the pit lane and park in the fast lane. Once stopped, teams will be notified through the official messaging system and must then push their cars back into their respective garages. The garage doors must remain open until further instruction is provided.
Only once the race director deems it safe to resume the race—and not less than 18 minutes before the anticipated restart—will an official restart order be communicated. The FIA emphasized that this policy ensures a “safe and orderly conduct of the event,” prioritizing the wellbeing of drivers, team members, and on-site personnel.
The situation remains fluid, and while the FIA is prepared to act swiftly should the lightning risk escalate, teams and fans alike will be hoping for clearer skies by the time the main event begins. Until then, the threat of weather looms large over what was expected to be a high-energy weekend in Miami.
