The FIA are set to hold a meeting to discuss concerns that the Miami Grand Prix could be postponed or cancelled.
After an unplanned five-week break due to the cancelation of both the Saudi Arabia and Bahrain Grands Prix, Formula One is finally set to return this weekend.
The Miami International Autodrome is set to host the first race since the Japan Grand Prix in late March, with the first practice sessions set to take place on Friday evening.
On Saturday, Miami will host the second sprint race of the season with the race itself scheduled to begin at 21:00 BST on Sunday night.
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However, ahead of the race weekend starting concerning reports have emerged suggesting that the race could be in jeopardy due to adverse weather conditions.
Although Saturday is not expected to be impacted, severe thunderstorms are forecast for the area of Miami throughout most of Sunday, placing the race in doubt.
And now, Cadillac driver Sergio Perez has revealed that the FIA will hold meetings on Thursday to discuss the potential impact of the weather and how they can prevent the race from being cancelled.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Perez said that the FIA will "double check the scenario for Sunday because it is looking bad, so we'll see if there are any changes on the schedule for the weekend".
Meanwhile Oscar Piastri admitted that he was somewhat looking forward to seeing how the new 2026 cars would perform in difficult weather conditions.
He said: It’ll be interesting. I don’t think many of us have driven these cars in the rain before, maybe a couple of people in Barcelona at the shakedown.
"But I think they’re going to be challenging cars to drive in the rain just because of some of the quirks that they have. And obviously the weather, normally if it rains in Miami, it does it properly, so we’ll wait and see. But it’ll be interesting one way or another."
What could happen if weather prevents the Miami Grand Prix from taking place
Although it is not known exactly what the FIA would decide to do if the current plan for the Miami Grand Prix is deemed to be unsafe, it appears that there is a couple of options.
Of course, it is not entirely impossible that the race could still be cancelled as the FIA has strict rules in relation to lightning near the circuit, with races immediately suspended if conditions mean that the medical helicopter cannot operate.
But, according to F1 insider Kym Illman, another option that the FIA is believed to be considering is to start the race earlier to avoid the storms predicted for mid afternoon.
Ben McCrum