FIA cancel race due to 'severe weather' as Miami Grand Prix plunged into chaos

The FIA have been forced to cancel a support race prior to the Miami Grand Prix due to 'severe weather' - which could potentially plunge the start of the F1 race into doubt.

Rain affected Saturday's sprint race, though conditions were largely clear at the time of the start and drivers ended the race on dry tyres.

More weather was predicted across Sunday, however, and a torrential downpour began just half an hour before the F1 Academy race was due to get underway.

A formation lap was ran behind the safety car, but several drivers reported visibility and grip issues on the formation lap while others slid off the circuit.

The race was delayed and then rescheduled for 1:30pm local time, but the FIA eventually decided to cancel it altogether due to the conditions.

That decision has left fans concerned over the start of the F1 Grand Prix, which is due to get underway at 9pm UK time.

According to the National Weather Service of Miami and South Florida, there is a 60 per cent chance of rain during the race, as well as a warning of 'possible severe thunderstorms on the east coast of Florida'.

The FIA are yet to make a decision over the race start, though a safety car or even a delay are potential options if required.

Another consideration will be that, once a Grand Prix gets underway, there is a maximum time limit of two hours to complete it - meaning the FIA may decide to delay the start for as long as possible until weather conditions are improved.

And just over two hours before the start of the Grand Prix, the FIA stewards released an unprecedented statement confirming due procedures for if the race is affected by lightning.

The statement begins: "In accordance with local public safety standards, there is a possibility that the race can be suspended due to risk of lightning strike at or around the circuit, in order to facilitate all personnel to 'shelter in place' in a relevant location."

In such an event, cars must immediately return to the pit lane and the race will be stopped. Each team will then receive a message from the FIA to return their cars to the garages.

From there, all the usual race start procedures - as would normally be used under red flag conditions - will apply.

More to follow...