20-second penalty takes away the podium and alters the final order

Leclerc collapses in Miami: 20-second penalty takes away the podium and alters the final order

The FIA ​​penalizes the Monegasque after a spin and track cuts, while Verstappen also receives a minor penalty.

The Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix has left a bitter taste for Charles Leclerc and an unexpected turnaround in the final classification. The Monegasque driver, who was fighting for a podium position, saw his hopes faded hours after the checkered flag. The International Automobile Federation (FIA) imposed a 20 second penalty at the Ferrari driver, punishing him for gaining an advantage by cutting the track several times during the last lap. This hard blow relegated him from third place to eighth positionbenefiting drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Franco Colapinto.

Leclerc's career in Miami was a carousel of emotions and mistakes. With three laps remaining, the Ferrari driver was in a promising third position. However, a spinning top Turn 3 marked the beginning of his ordeal. Even though his car suffered slight contact with the protections, Leclerc continued on the track. It was at this critical moment when, to stay in the race and make up time, he chose to take several curves along the inside, going off the track and illegally gaining seconds.

This maneuver, interpreted by the commissioners as obtaining lasting advantagetriggered the intervention of the FIA. The penalty document details that, after the spin, Leclerc's car had difficulty turning right, which forced him to cut the chicanes. Although the driver reported that the car seemed to be fine, the FIA ​​was forceful: the mechanical problem did not exempt it from responsibility.

The sanction imposed was 'Drive Through'which resulted in 20 seconds added to his final time. The FIA ​​also assessed whether there was an additional infringement for continuing to drive a car with an obvious mechanical problem, but determined that there was insufficient evidence for this. Even so, the penalty was enough for him to lose two more positions in the official classification, falling to the eighth place.

He was not the only driver to receive a penalty in Miami. Max Verstappen, who finished the race in fifth position, was also penalized 5 seconds. The Dutch driver was punished for crossing the white line when exiting the pits, an infraction that, although it did not alter his final position, did add a nuance to his performance.

The FIA ​​explained that initial footage of the Verstappen incident was insufficient to determine the infringement, leading to a post-race investigation. The new footage confirmed that the left front tire of his Red Bull crossed the solid white line at the pit exit, violating Appendix L of the International Sports Code. The 5-second penalty was applied, but it had no impact on their final result.

The final classification of the Miami Grand Prix, after the sanctions, is as follows:

This result in Miami highlights the rigor of the FIA ​​in the application of the regulations and the importance of maintaining the correct line at all times. For Leclerc, it is a hard blow of reality that forces him to reflect on his last laps and the management of the race. For the rest of the grid, a reminder that in Formula 1, every detail counts and decisions made on the track can have significant consequences, even hours after the curtain comes down.

Formula 1 always gives us emotions and unexpected turns, and the 2026 Miami GP has been no exception. Sanctions, sometimes controversial, are part of the sport's DNA, adding another layer of strategy and tension to each weekend of competition. The fight for the championship promises to be exciting, and events like this only serve to fan the flame of rivalry and debate among fans.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Miami GP and Sanctions

Why was Charles Leclerc given a 20-second penalty?

Charles Leclerc was given a 20-second penalty for gaining a lasting advantage by cutting the track several times during the final lap of the Miami GP, after suffering a spin and having trouble turning correctly.

What happened to Max Verstappen to receive a sanction?

Max Verstappen received a 5-second penalty for crossing the white line when exiting the pits, an infraction detected after a post-race investigation.

How did Leclerc's sanction affect the final classification?

The 20-second penalty on Charles Leclerc relegated him from third to eighth position, benefiting drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Franco Colapinto.

Was it considered an additional infringement for Leclerc's mechanical problem?

Yes, the FIA ​​assessed whether continuing to drive with a mechanical problem was an offence, but determined that there was insufficient evidence of an obvious problem.

Which driver gained positions thanks to Leclerc's sanction?

Lewis Hamilton rose to sixth position and Franco Colapinto to seventh place after Charles Leclerc's penalty.

What was Kimi Antonelli's result in the Miami GP?

Kimi Antonelli won the Miami GP, followed by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Which team had a strong presence in the top positions despite the sanctions?

McLaren had a strong presence with Lando Norris in second and Oscar Piastri in third position.

Did the Spanish drivers perform well in Miami?

Carlos Sainz Jr. finished ninth and Fernando Alonso finished one lap behind the winner.

Did Verstappen's penalty change his position in the race?

No, the 5-second penalty for Max Verstappen did not alter his fifth final position.

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