VIDEO: Crucial mistake costs Leclerc two places in final lap of Miami GP

Charles Leclerc would prefer to forget the Miami GP as soon as possible. While the Monegasque initially qualified third, he ultimately crossed the line in sixth. For a long time, a podium finish seemed within reach, but in the final phase, he was pushed out of the top three by Oscar Piastri. As if that wasn’t enough, a determined Leclerc then made a crucial mistake that damaged his front wing. As a result, he dropped back to P6 at the last moment.

Read more Charles Leclerc is frustrated with his mistake in the final lap: ‘Disappointed in myself’

The Miami GP became a chaotic ordeal for Leclerc already in the opening lap. While Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen – both starting from the front row – locked up, the Monegasque briefly inherited the lead. However, he had to give it up again quickly, after which Lando Norris also managed to pass him. Back to P3 then. In the final phase, Oscar Piastri also passed him.

Until the last lap, Leclerc was driving in the slipstream of the Australian, but a real overtaking opportunity did not arise. The frustration eventually ran high: the Ferrari driver spun and barely avoided a heavy crash. However, his SF-26 did sustain damage after a touch with the wall. With half a lap to go, Leclerc tried to drag his battered car to the finish and hold off a charging George Russell behind him. In vain: both Russell and Max Verstappen – who came alongside in the last corner – still passed him.

Read more GP Miami: Three in a row for Kimi Antonelli, tenacious Max Verstappen finishes P5

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