The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile has reportedly overturned a post-race disqualification issued to Charles Leclerc following the Miami Grand Prix, in a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock.
Initial ruling after Miami GP
Leclerc, driving for Scuderia Ferrari, was originally disqualified after post-race scrutineering flagged a technical irregularity on his car related to floor plank wear compliance. The decision initially stripped him of his finishing position and points, with Ferrari immediately lodging a formal appeal.
FIA review changes everything
According to revised stewards’ findings, new telemetry and garage data submitted by Ferrari suggested that the excessive wear was caused by an FIA-approved setup interpretation combined with unusual track degradation patterns during the race.
After a detailed review session, the FIA determined that:
The breach was not a deliberate performance advantage
Measurement tolerances may have been inconsistently applied during scrutineering
The original disqualification decision was “too severe under the circumstances”
As a result, the disqualification was officially reversed, restoring Leclerc’s original race result and championship points.
Team reaction
Ferrari reportedly welcomed the decision, describing it as “a fair correction after a rushed interpretation of technical data.” The team emphasized that they always operated within the regulatory framework and supported closer collaboration with the FIA on future technical checks.
Paddock reaction
The reversal has divided opinion in the paddock. Some rival teams argue that consistency in enforcement is being undermined, while others believe the FIA made the correct call after new evidence emerged.
FIA position
An FIA spokesperson stated that the governing body remains committed to “transparent and evidence-based decision-making,” adding that post-race reviews are an essential part of ensuring fairness in Formula 1.