Formula One is facing not only a technical and sporting challenge, but also a regulatory one in Florida: it’s now a race against time between race control and local laws.
The FIA has declared rain hazard for the Miami Grand Prix, and there is a real risk that the race may not take place due to local regulations in force in the state of Florida. Work is already underway to find a solution, but the chances of a schedule change have significantly increased.
In Florida, a regulation approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requires the suspension of all outdoor activities in the presence of lightning, thunder, or flashes within a radius of about 10 km from the venue. This is a crucial factor, considering that Miami is historically prone to sudden and intense thunderstorms.
The 2025 precedent is still fresh: the Sprint was preceded by a heavy downpour that eliminated Charles Leclerc, who suffered aquaplaning on the straight during reconnaissance laps. His SF-25 crashed into the barriers, preventing him from starting. During the race, several drivers also reported extremely poor visibility due to heavy spray.
Also read: BREAKING – A DISQUALIFICATION in the F1 Sprint! Decision just before qualifying
The “rain hazard” status is declared by the race director when the probability of rain exceeds 40%. In such a scenario, race control is expected to meet immediately after qualifying to assess the situation. Forecasts indicate rain in the morning and a thunderstorm during the race window: the key challenge will be to avoid prolonged interruptions or, in the worst-case scenario, a race suspension.
Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing about a possible partial parc fermé exemption: teams could be allowed to adjust ride height and front wing angle, adapting the cars to extreme wet conditions without completely overhauling the setup.
Main photo: Ferrari.com
