FIA stewards were called into action early at the Miami Grand Prix, handing a minor penalty to Charles Leclerc and Ferrari during the opening practice session of the sprint weekend.
Leclerc, who is competing with Ferrari’s newly upgraded SF-26, was found to have exceeded the pit lane speed limit in FP1. The session, which was extended to 90 minutes due to the sprint format allowing only one practice outing, saw drivers trying to maximise track time before qualifying later in the day. In the process, Leclerc pushed slightly too far and was recorded travelling 1.4 km/h above the 80 km/h limit.
After reviewing the incident, FIA officials concluded that the breach was minimal. Ferrari were issued a €200 fine, but no further sporting penalty was imposed. Leclerc avoided harsher consequences such as a grid drop or time penalty, largely because the infringement occurred in a practice session and involved only a small margin over the limit.
The incident comes at a crucial time for Ferrari, who are aiming to strengthen their position in the championship standings. The team entered the Miami weekend second in the constructors’ standings and sees the sprint format—offering up to 58 points—as an opportunity to close the gap to their rivals.
Much of the attention around Ferrari this weekend has focused on their heavily revised car. The SF-26 features an extensive upgrade package, with 11 separate changes officially declared. These updates are designed to improve overall aerodynamic performance and consistency.
At the front of the car, Ferrari have adjusted the wing endplate and front corner to improve airflow stability. Changes to the front suspension are expected to enhance load generation and optimise how air moves toward the rear. The most significant developments, however, are concentrated on the floor, where the team has reworked the floor body, edges, and diffuser to produce greater aerodynamic load across a wider range of conditions.
Additional refinements have been made at the rear, including suspension tweaks to improve airflow into the diffuser. Ferrari have also introduced a distinctive new rear wing concept, often referred to as the “macarena” design. This system increases aerodynamic drag when active aero is engaged, and includes modifications to the wing’s mainplane, flap, and supporting structures.
Although Leclerc’s penalty was minor, it highlights the strict regulations governing Formula One. Ferrari will now turn their full attention to extracting maximum performance from their upgraded car as the competitive sessions unfold in Miami.