Leclerc takes responsibility after dramatic Miami final lap
Amid the chaos and spectacle of the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc saw a result slip away that, for much of the race, had looked set to be significantly stronger than the sixth-place finish he ultimately secured. The Ferrari driver had been running in third position until the closing stages, fully engaged in the battle for a podium place. However, the final laps turned into a nightmare scenario.
After being overtaken by Oscar Piastri, the Monegasque driver lost control shortly afterwards, spinning and making contact with the wall. That moment effectively ended his chances of a top-three finish. In the closing moments, Leclerc was also passed by George Russell—who himself was dealing with front wing damage—and Max Verstappen, dropping him further down the order.
“No problem, just my mistake”
Speaking to Sky Sport F1 after the race, Charles Leclerc did not attempt to deflect blame or search for excuses. Instead, the Ferrari driver took full responsibility for the incident, making it clear that there were no technical issues behind his loss of control.
“I didn’t have any problem with the wing. The idea was to let Oscar through for the overtake mode because I wasn’t strong enough in the second sector, there was no tyre left. I needed the overtake mode, then I made a mistake and managed Turns 1, 2 and 3 poorly, and that mistake is unacceptable. I cannot afford an error like that, especially after having a good start to the season.”
Race pace concerns and missed opportunity
Continuing his analysis, Charles Leclerc pointed to the overall race pace as another limiting factor, while also expressing frustration over a missed opportunity that had seemed within reach for most of the race.
“The pace wasn’t there, I’m very disappointed. There are things going on in the background, and I managed everything in the best way possible. There were phases where we were faster, others where we weren’t. We had maximised everything, until the last lap where I threw it all away.”
Despite Ferrari showing competitive flashes throughout the weekend, particularly in the more technical sections of the Miami International Autodrome, the final result failed to reflect the team’s potential. Strategic execution, tyre degradation, and the late-race mistake combined to deny the Scuderia a podium that had seemed within reach.
Apology to team and fans
Charles Leclerc concluded his post-race comments by expressing disappointment not only in himself but also in letting down the team and supporters who had followed Ferrari’s progress throughout the weekend.
“I’m disappointed, I feel sorry for the team, and of course also for the fans.”
The result leaves Ferrari with mixed feelings after Miami. While the performance showed encouraging signs in certain phases, the inability to convert that pace into a strong finish underlines the fine margins at the front of the 2026 Formula 1 grid—where even a small mistake can carry significant consequences.
