Lightning Safety Procedures at the Miami Grand Prix

Get ready for an exciting weekend as the Miami Grand Prix revs up! However, safety is paramount, and with the potential threat of thunderstorms in the area, precautionary measures have been put in place. The race, scheduled for 4pm local time around the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium, could be suspended if there’s a risk of lightning.

Understanding the Lightning Protocol

The sport’s governing body, the FIA, has issued a statement outlining the procedures to ensure safety in such circumstances. In accordance with local public safety standards, the race can be suspended due to the risk of a lightning strike at or around the circuit. This allows all personnel to ‘shelter in place’ in a relevant location.

If the race is indeed suspended, cars must return to the pit lane and stop in the fast lane as described in Article 57 of the Sporting Regulations. Once all cars have returned, teams will be informed using the official messaging system that cars must be pushed from the fast lane and returned to their garages. Garage doors must remain open until otherwise instructed.

For clarity, any car which was in its garage at the time the race was suspended, or that is moved from the fast lane to any other part of the pit lane without or prior to such instruction being given will be arranged at the back of the line before resumption.

Weather Woes at Recent Races

Heavy rain caused chaos in Saturday’s sprint race, resulting in crashes for Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz. Unfortunately, the F1 Academy race had to be cancelled on Sunday due to a downpour.

Stay tuned for the latest updates on the Miami Grand Prix! Don’t miss our watch along on Race Center Live. Sign up here to join us and stay up to speed with expert analysis, photos, and videos from the event.