Leclerc's Miami Misstep: Penalty Drops Ferrari Ace to Eighth
After a challenging Miami Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc faced a time penalty that reshuffled his finish to eighth place. His last-lap antics and a clash with George Russell drew the stewards' attention, leading to the post-race ruling.
Charles Leclerc's evening at the Miami International Autodrome ended on a sour note as the Ferrari driver received a post-race penalty. Following a spin on the final lap, Leclerc was investigated for multiple infractions, including driving a damaged car unsafely, leaving the track repeatedly, and a tangle with Mercedes' George Russell.
The stewards examined the incidents closely and decided on a drive-through penalty for Leclerc’s off-track excursions, which was translated to a 20-second penalty post-race, pushing him down to eighth place. The stewards' report noted that Leclerc left the track “on several occasions without a justifiable reason,” which warranted the penalty.
Leclerc, along with a team representative, explained that his car's handling was compromised after the spin, forcing him to cut chicanes. While the stewards acknowledged the mechanical issue, they still found the advantage gained by cutting the track unjustifiable.
In another review, Leclerc’s contact with Russell at the final hairpin was deemed a racing incident, with both drivers dismissing it as minor. The stewards agreed, taking no further action.
Ultimately, while Leclerc’s Miami race was marred by these events, it was his off-track excursions that sealed his fate in the standings.