FIA stewards were kept busy during the opening stages of the Miami Grand Prix weekend, with Charles Leclerc and Ferrari finding themselves on the receiving end of an early penalty decision.
Leclerc, who is racing Ferrari’s upgraded SF-26 this weekend, was handed a fine after breaching pit lane regulations during the only practice session of the sprint weekend. With just one opportunity to fine-tune the car before competitive running began, FP1 was extended to 90 minutes. Despite the extra time available, Leclerc was caught exceeding the pit lane speed limit, registering 1.4 km/h over the maximum permitted 80 km/h.
Following a brief investigation, FIA officials determined that the infringement was minor. As a result, Ferrari were issued a €200 fine, but no sporting penalty—such as a grid drop or time penalty—was applied to either Leclerc or the team. The decision reflects the fact that the incident occurred during practice rather than a competitive session, and the speed excess was minimal.
The timing of the incident is notable, as Ferrari arrived in Miami aiming to close the gap in the championship standings. The team currently sits second in the constructors’ table and is hoping that a significant package of upgrades will boost their performance over the remainder of the season. With a sprint format in play this weekend, a total of 58 points are available, offering a valuable opportunity to gain ground.
Ferrari’s updated SF-26 has drawn attention in the paddock, with Italian media describing it as a “one-and-a-half car” due to the scale of changes introduced. According to official FIA documentation, the team has implemented 11 separate upgrades across various areas of the car.
At the front, modifications have been made to the wing endplate and front corner to improve airflow stability. Adjustments to the front suspension are intended to increase load and better manage aerodynamic effects further downstream. However, the most extensive work has been carried out on the floor, where Ferrari has redesigned the floor body, edges, and diffuser. These changes are aimed at generating more consistent aerodynamic load across a wider operating window.
Further tweaks at the rear include suspension updates designed to enhance the pressure gradient feeding into the diffuser, improving overall efficiency. One of the most eye-catching developments is the introduction of a new rear wing concept—nicknamed the “macarena” design. This innovative setup features a folding mechanism that increases drag when the car enters active aerodynamic modes. To accommodate this, Ferrari has reshaped the mainplane and flap, added a central bracket element, and revised the connection between the wing and its supporting pylon.
While Leclerc’s minor pit lane offence resulted in only a small financial penalty, it served as an early reminder of how closely regulated Formula One operations are. For Ferrari, the focus will quickly shift back to performance, as they look to make the most of their upgraded package and challenge for strong results throughout the rest of the Miami weekend.