2026 Miami Grand Prix: Fast Facts

The first stars-and-stripes race of the season will take place this weekend in Miami. Formula 1 has observed a lengthy break following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix and resumes its championship campaign on a street circuit in Florida. The Miami Grand Prix is held on a track built specifically for the event around the Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins. The layout, which runs through sections of public roads and the stadium’s parking areas, measures 5.412 kilometres and is raced over 57 laps.

To tackle the 19 corners and three long straights of the Miami International Autodrome, as it was named for its inaugural race in 2022, teams will have access to the three softest compounds in the Pirelli range: C3, C4 and C5. The asphalt, resurfaced in 2023, has a low level of roughness and gains grip over the course of the weekend as the track evolves.

One interesting characteristic that emerged last year was how quickly the circuit dried. This was clearly demonstrated during the Sprint, the short race that will also feature this season, when drivers switched from intermediate tyres to slicks during the 19 laps, despite the heavy rain that had fallen before the lights went out. Variable weather conditions could once again spring surprises over the course of the weekend.

There should be fewer uncertainties when it comes to race strategy. Tyre degradation in Miami has always been limited, thanks to the characteristics of the circuit, allowing drivers to extend their stints and make just a single pit stop during the race. Another factor to consider on Sunday is the possibility of neutralisations, which are common on any street circuit, where precision is crucial to avoid contact with the barriers.

Miami By The Numbers

Of the four editions held so far on the circuit around the Dolphins’ stadium, half have been won by Max Verstappen. The two McLaren drivers have then shared the victories in the last two seasons.

After Lando Norris claimed his first Formula 1 win in 2024, it was his team-mate who took the chequered flag in 2025.

However, neither of the Papaya drivers has ever secured pole position at this event: Verstappen has two poles to his name, while the others were taken by Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez.

How to Watch the 2026 Miami Grand Prix

Formula 1 fans around the globe can catch all the action from the 2026 Miami Grand Prix through various broadcasters and streaming services.

In the United Kingdom, viewers can watch every session live on Sky Sports F1, with comprehensive coverage of the practice sessions, qualifying, and the race itself.

For fans in the United States, the Miami Grand Prix will be available through Apple TV. Apple TV is the new U.S. home of Formula 1 in 2026. With Apple TV, you also get access to hundreds of Apple Original shows and movies, live MLB games, and all of MLS, at no additional cost.

Viewers in Australia can tune in to watch the Grand Prix weekend unfold live on Fox Sports, which offers complete coverage of F1 races. For online streaming, fans can subscribe to Kayo Sports, a streaming platform that includes all Fox Sports content.

This subscription service provides access to onboard cameras, team radios, live timing, and more, for an immersive viewing experience.

Remember to check the local listings and services for the most up-to-date information regarding broadcast times and availability in your region.

Miami Grand Prix Fast Facts

• This will be the fifth Miami Grand Prix, with the race first appearing on the calendar in 2022.
• This year, Free Practice 1 will run for 90 minutes to account for the long gap since the last Grand Prix, recent regulatory and technical changes, and the reduced practice time under the Miami Sprint format.
• The 5.412 km Miami International Autodrome became the 11th track based in the USA to host a Grand Prix. Las Vegas became the 12th when it debuted on the calendar in 2023.
• The Miami International Autodrome is one of nine on the 2026 F1 calendar to run in an anti-clockwise direction.
• Miami hosted the F1 Sprint format for the first time in 2024 and, like last season too, will do so again in 2026.
• 75 different circuit patterns were designed, and 36 simulated, before the final track layout was decided on before the first race in 2022.
• The circuit races around the grounds of the Hard Rock Stadium, home to the Miami Dolphins NFL team and the Miami Open ATP and WTA tennis tournaments.
• In his first Miami Grannd Prix, Kimi Antonelli became Formula 1’s youngest polesitter last year during Sprint Qualifying, aged just 18 years, 8 months and 7 days.
• Mercedes-Benz Power (HPP) has won the past two Grands Prix in the Sunshine State, with Lando Norris (2024) and Oscar Piastri (2025) both triumphing for McLaren in recent seasons
• Max Verstappen holds the race lap record in Miami (1:29.708) as well as the outright fastest lap in circuit history (the 1:26.204 that he set to take pole position in 2025).
• Oracle Red Bull Racing have scored points with both cars in every Miami GP ever held, and have a 100% Q3 record at this venue.
• Max Verstappen is the most successful driver in the history of the sprint race format, winning 13 of the 25 sprints held to-date.

Written by

Jarrod Partridge

Jarrod Partridge is the Co-Founder of F1 Chronicle and an FIA accredited journalist with over 30 years of experience following Formula 1. A member of the AIPS International Sports Press Association, Jarrod has covered F1 races at circuits around the world, bringing first-hand insight to every race report, driver profile, and technical analysis he writes.

More articles by Jarrod Partridge →