F1 travels to Miami for only the second time this weekend, with The Magic City set to host the first of three American races of 2023. Last year, we had the inaugural outing at the Miami International Autodrome and the track conditions were fine throughout. This year, however, weather conditions could turn out to be tricky at the Miami GP.
According to meteorologist Pedro Mazario, severe rainfall could pose a serious threat this coming weekend. In particular, drivers could have a very wet qualifying session ahead of them, around the high-speed track of Miami. On Twitter, reports of Mazario’s predictions were shared, and fans are skeptical about whether the potential of a wet race should be exciting, or scary.
Severe rainfall is expected ahead of the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday 😳
Rain is also expected during qualifying.
[@PedroMazario / @SalaStampRacing]#F1 #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/QMV6nnBfqE
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) May 3, 2023
The drivers take to the track in Miami on Friday, which is expected to be a sunny day with very minimal chances of rain. Saturday, however, could prove to be a completely different story, with rainfall forecasted. It could get even worse for the drivers on Sunday, with thunderstorms listed as a real possibility.
Miami GP 2023 Weather Forecast
According to Formula 1’s official website, chances of rain are slim on Friday, with the probability increasing as the weekend progresses. Qualifying could be windy, with a breeze expected throughout Saturday with chances of thunderstorms also present. On Sunday afternoon, however, there is a huge chance of thunderstorms and rain at the Miami International Autodrome.
Friday, May 5th: FP1 and FP2
Maximum Temperature: 30 Celsius
Minimum Temperature: 20 Celsius
Chances of rain: 4%
Saturday, May 6th: FP3 and Qualifying
Maximum Temperature: 31 Celsius
Minimum Temperature: 24 Celsius
Chances of rain: 40%
Sunday, May 7th: Race Day
Maximum Temperature: 30 Celsius
Minimum Temperature: 24 Celsius
Chances of rain: 60%
What to expect from the 2023 Miami Grand Prix?
The world championship fight was in a very different stage when F1 last visited Miami a year ago. Charles Leclerc was still in the mix for his first world title, and was involved in a tussle with Red Bull driver Max Verstappen. The Ferrari driver even took pole position for the race, but unfortunately, couldn’t convert it into a win, with Verstappen crossing the chequered flag first.
Only one driver could ever be the first #MiamiGP winner… 🏆🌴@Max33Verstappen claimed that title with this impressive move on Charles Leclerc! 💪#F1 @redbullracing pic.twitter.com/yr5EPOehV1
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 3, 2023
This year, Verstappen enters the race as the favorite to win it again, but Leclerc isn’t in the same place as he was a year ago. Ferrari don’t have the car to beat Red Bull (at least until now) and are expected to be involved in a close fight with Aston Martin and Mercedes.
The path to victory, however, isn’t clear for Verstappen, with Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez eyeing yet another win. Perez is as close to Verstappen as he has ever been in this stage of the season. The Mexican driver is currently P2 in the standings with 87 points, just six behind Verstappen.
