Formula 1 has returned after an enforced five-week break, with the main race at the Miami Grand Prix taking place at Miami International Autodrome later today. The Miami Grand Prix has been rescheduled due to weather concerns.
Start Time Moved
The Miami Grand Prix has been moved forward by three hours due to the threat of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Following discussions between Formula One bosses, the governing body the FIA and race promoters, the decision was taken to shift the start time to 1pm local time, 6pm UK time.
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F1 bosses had stressed contingency plans were in place due to the weather forecast, with Florida state law dictating events must be stopped in the event of lightning within an eight-mile radius being part of the consideration. Assuming the Grand Prix can get underway, the threat of it being a wet race remains.
Official Statement
An F1 statement read: “Following discussions between FIA, FOM and the Miami promoter, the decision has been taken to move the start of Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix to 13:00 local time in Miami due to the weather forecast that is expected to bring heavier rainstorms later in the afternoon close to the original planned race start time. This decision has been taken to ensure the least amount of disruption to the race, and to ensure the maximum possible window to complete the Grand Prix in the best conditions and to prioritise the safety of drivers, fans, teams and staff.”
Sprint Race Changes
Gabriel Bortoleto has been disqualified from the Sprint race at the Miami Grand Prix. The Brazilian had finished Saturday's short-form race in 11th place, but technical checks on his Audi carried out after the conclusion of the Sprint revealed a rule infringement which was immediately reported to the stewards.
Jo Bauer Speaks
The FIA's technical delegate, Jo Bauer, said: "After the Sprint, the engine intake air pressure of car number five [Bortoleto] was checked. The pressure exceeded the maximum limit of 4.8 barA. As this is not in compliance with Article C5.3.2 of the Formula 1 technical regulations, I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration."
Kimi Antonelli Penalty
Mercedes star and Championship leader Kimi Antonelli was also punished after the Sprint race. The teenager had finished fourth on track but was handed an automatic five-second time penalty for exceeding track limits on four occasions, which dropped him from fourth to sixth, 0.1 seconds behind Max Verstappen.
Isack Hadjar Disqualified
Isack Hadjar will start this evening's Miami Grand Prix from 22nd after being disqualified from the qualifying classifications. The French driver, who finished 9th, was disqualified due to technical violations on the floor of his car during the F1 Miami GP qualifying session.
FIA Statement
A statement announcing the decision explained: "The Stewards, having received a report from the Technical Delegate (document 67), summoned the driver and team representative (document 69), heard from the team representatives and the FIA Technical Delegate, have considered the following matter and determine the following. No / Driver 6 - Isack Hadjar Competitor Oracle Red Bull Racing Time 20:24 Session Qualifying. Fact LHS and RHS floor board were protruding out of the reference volume. Infringement Breach of Article C3.5.5 of the FIA F1 Regulations."
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The statement then continued: "Decision Car 6 is disqualified from the Qualifying classifications. Reason - The Stewards heard from the team representatives of Car 6 (Isack Hadjar). They did not dispute the findings of the Technical Delegate that portions of the LHS and RHS floor boards were protruding 2mm out of the reference volume RV-FLOOR BOARD. This is a breach of Article C3.5.5 of the FIA F1 Regulations and the usual consequences follow an admitted breach of the technical regulations. Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 5 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits. Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented."
READ MORE: Miami Grand Prix start time changes at last minute as thunderstorms threaten F1 race
