Formula 1, Sportrik Media - FIA has confirmed that the sole free practice session at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix will be extended from 60 minutes to 90 minutes, in response to the sprint format and recent regulatory changes.
The Miami weekend operates under the sprint format, meaning there are no FP2 and FP3 sessions, significantly reducing track time available for teams and drivers. To compensate, the governing body has opted to lengthen FP1, allowing additional time to adapt to the revised technical and energy regulations introduced this season.
Following consultations with stakeholders, the FIA stated that the session will now run from 12:00 to 13:30 local time at the Miami International Autodrome. All track sessions scheduled before FP1 will also be brought forward by 30 minutes to accommodate the revised timetable.
“This decision has been taken in recognition of the gap since the last grand prix, the recently announced regulatory and technical adjustments, and the fact that the Miami Grand Prix operates under the sprint format, which reduces the amount of practice time available over the course of the weekend,” the FIA said.
From a technical perspective, the extension provides teams with a critical window to gather baseline data, refine car setup, and validate energy deployment strategies under the updated regulations. With the increased complexity of the 2026 rules, particularly around hybrid systems and energy management, additional track time becomes essential for operational readiness.
The change also reflects a broader regulatory approach aimed at maintaining competitive balance while ensuring safety and performance understanding in a condensed race weekend structure. On street circuits such as Miami, where track evolution is significant, extended practice time can play a decisive role in performance optimisation.
FP1 is scheduled to begin at 17:00 UK time and 18:00 Central European Time, marking the opening on-track session of the Miami sprint weekend.
This adjustment highlights the FIA’s effort to align sporting format with technical demands, ensuring teams are adequately prepared despite reduced session counts in sprint events.
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