World champion Lando Norris expressed that Formula 1 drivers will be "thrown in at the deep end" due to anticipated wet conditions at the Miami Grand Prix. As one of the majority on the grid who have yet to experience the 2026 cars in rain, Norris highlighted the challenges posed by the sport's most significant rule change.

The new engines' substantial electrical power and teams' difficulties in managing it predictably could lead to "a bit more chaos," according to Norris. He qualified fourth, trailing Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes, Max Verstappen from Red Bull, and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari.

Norris stated, "I don't know how wet it's going to be. It's going to be a big challenge on race day for everyone to perform, find the limit. Obviously, you can't afford to make any mistakes. We're thrown in the deep end, but that's what we're here to do. I look forward to it."

His teammate Oscar Piastri echoed this sentiment, noting the upcoming race will be a "voyage into the unknown for everybody." Piastri emphasized the unpredictability of power management in wet conditions, stating, "The margin for error when it's wet is significantly smaller."

The weather forecast predicts intermittent rain and thunderstorms on race day. F1 and the FIA are set to meet on Saturday evening to discuss potential changes to the race timetable, originally scheduled for 16:00 local time (21:00 BST) on Sunday. While moving the start time could disrupt TV schedules, heavy rain and thunderstorms could force adjustments, especially as spectators cannot remain outdoors during electrical storms.

Notably, Verstappen and both Ferrari drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, who start third and sixth, have prior experience driving in the wet during pre-season testing, while other leading drivers lack this crucial experience.