Formula 1 heads to Miami for round five in 2023; First of three American races this season; Watch all sessions live on Sky Sports F1 - Qualifying is at 9pm on Saturday with lights out for Grand Prix on Sunday at 8.30pm
Sunday 7 May 2023 07:53, UK
Formula 1 is set for a fast and furious return to Miami this weekend as the 2023 championship battle heats up.
Sergio Perez's victories in both the Sprint and Grand Prix in Azerbaijan have reignited the title fight ahead of the second half of the first double-header of 2023 as F1 heads Stateside for the first time this year.
The Mexican now trails Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen by just six points in the drivers' championship and victory in Miami will guarantee him the championship lead.
And with the Miami International Autodrome being another track with street-circuit characteristics, Perez will feel confident of trumping Verstappen once again.
The Mexican will start on pole position in Sunday's race too after qualifying was curtailed by a red flag in the closing stages of final session when Charles Leclerc crashed his Ferrari heavily. Verstappen, meanwhile, faces having to work his way through the field from ninth.
The fifth round of the 2023 season is guaranteed to have a US sprinkle of stardust added to the occasion, and Fast X stars Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez will feature in Sky Sports F1's weekend coverage ahead of the film's release on May 19.
The Miami GP is the first of three races in America this season and that also means evening start times, with all sessions live on Sky Sports F1.
Qualifying begins at 9pm on Saturday, with build-up from 8pm.
Build-up to Sunday's Grand Prix begins at 7pm ahead of lights out at 8.30pm.
Sunday
7pm: Grand Prix Sunday Miami GP build-up*
8.30pm: THE MIAMI GRAND PRIX*
10.30pm: Chequered Flag Miami GP reaction*
11.30pm: Ted's Notebook
*Simulcast on Sky Sports Main Event
The Formula 1 season continues with the Miami GP from May 5-7. Watch qualifying at 9pm on Saturday with lights out at 8.30pm on Sunday. Get Sky Sports