Formula 1 News: Leclerc demoted after Miami GP – Revised Results

Drama unfolded after the checkered flag for the 2026 Miami GP won by Kimi Antonelli, as stewards investigated multiple incidents from the race, which was not affected by thunderstorms due to the race being moved 3 hours earlier.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Leclerc Penalized for Repeated Track Limits Breaches

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc (pictured) was hit with a 20-second time penalty—converted from a drive-through — for leaving the track on multiple occasions without justifiable reason. The incident stemmed from a last-lap spin at Turn 3, where Leclerc tagged the wall but continued.

Rather than pitting, Leclerc pushed on with a damaged car that he said struggled in right-hand corners. He repeatedly cut chicanes on the run to the flag, gaining a lasting advantage. He also made minor contact with George Russell at the final hairpin (Turn 17).

After reviewing video, data, radio, and hearing from both drivers and the Ferrari representative, stewards determined the mechanical issue did not excuse the repeated track limits violations. The clash with Russell was ruled a minor racing incident with no further action.

The penalty dropped Leclerc from a potential fifth to eighth place.

Verstappen Receives Five-Second Penalty for Pit Exit Breach

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was handed a five-second time penalty for crossing the white line at the pit exit. The breach occurred during an early Safety Car pit stop when Verstappen rejoined the track.

Stewards initially had limited video evidence and chose to investigate post-race for better angles. New footage clearly showed the outside of Verstappen’s front-left tire crossing the solid white line, violating Appendix L of the International Sporting Code.

The penalty confirmed Verstappen’s fifth-place finish, keeping him just ahead of Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari.

Official 2026 Miami GP Results – 57 Laps