Leclerc calls for Ferrari investigation; Lawson surprised by Verstappen team order

Charles Leclerc is pushing Ferrari for an internal investigation after a puzzling performance swing between Saturday and Sunday at the Miami Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Liam Lawson has voiced surprise at being asked to hand his position back to Max Verstappen during the race, highlighting potential tension inside Red Bull.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's inconsistency and Red Bull's intra-team dynamics are emerging as key storylines early in the 2026 season. Leclerc's public call for answers puts pressure on Maranello to resolve its race-day issues, while Lawson's candid remarks could signal friction as Red Bull navigates its driver lineup.

The details:

• Ferrari investigation: Leclerc wants to understand why the SF-26 lost pace from Saturday to Sunday in Miami. The Scuderia has shown strong one-lap speed but struggles to maintain performance over a race distance, a pattern that could derail their title ambitions.
• Lawson surprise: The New Zealander admitted he was taken aback when asked to give up a position to Verstappen. The move likely followed team orders, but Lawson’s reaction suggests he is not entirely comfortable playing a supporting role this early in his Red Bull career.
• Red Bull apology: Technical director Pierre Waché has apologized for a fundamental car problem that limited the team in the opening rounds, though the exact issue remains under wraps.

What's next:

Ferrari will look to address Leclerc's concerns before the next round at Imola. Red Bull, meanwhile, faces a delicate balancing act as it manages both Verstappen's dominance and Lawson's growing expectations. The season is still young, but these early signals could shape the championship battle.