FIA Extends Miami GP Practice by 30 Minutes for Regulations

The FIA has extended the sole free practice session at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix by 30 minutes, providing Formula 1 teams and drivers with additional time to adapt to recent regulatory changes ahead of the sprint weekend. The first practice, or FP1, will now run from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. local time on Friday, May 2, shifting the start 30 minutes earlier than originally planned.

This adjustment comes as Formula 1 returns to racing after a four-week break since the Japanese Grand Prix on April 7. The cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races earlier in the season, prompted by regional disruptions from the conflict in the Middle East, created an unexpected gap in the calendar. While some teams, including Mercedes, McLaren, Red Bull, Ferrari, and Alpine, conducted limited filming days and Pirelli tire testing in April, the Miami event marks the first full on-track action for the series.

The extension addresses multiple challenges unique to the Miami weekend. As the second sprint-format race of the season, it features only one practice session before qualifying and other competitive activities begin, compressing preparation time. Officials cited this format,...