Leclerc Frustrated After Qualifying Eighth in Miami
Miami, FL – Charles Leclerc expressed significant frustration following a disappointing qualifying session for the 2025 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, where he secured eighth position on the starting grid, 0.550 seconds off pole-sitter Max Verstappen.
Leclerc, who missed the sprint race due to a crash resulting from aquaplaning, felt he maximized the potential of his Ferrari but acknowledged the car’s fundamental performance issues. “I felt very satisfied with my lap, but it’s only bringing us P8,” he stated, emphasizing the lack of downforce compared to rivals from McLaren, Red Bull, and Mercedes.
The Miami International Autodrome, characterized by its slower corners, has exposed Ferrari’s weaknesses more acutely than previous circuits like Jeddah. “There are a lot of low-speed corners, and both Williams cars are in front of us," Leclerc noted, illustrating the competitive gap.
In a separate incident, Leclerc reflected on his pre-race crash, admitting that using intermediate tires during poor track conditions was a strategic mistake. "We need to understand what we’ve done wrong as a team. This was the main mistake that cost us a lot,” he explained.
With Hamilton qualifying twelfth after being eliminated in Q2, Ferrari must address its performance disparities ahead of the main event.
