Hamilton ’double standards’ row, Leclerc pace gap, and McLaren engine plea – Miami GP roundup

A heated Miami Grand Prix has sparked multiple storylines, from Lewis Hamilton’s controversial gesture to growing concerns about his performance relative to Charles Leclerc, while McLaren’s Andrea Stella calls for fundamental engine changes.

Why it matters:

The latest F1 headlines from Miami highlight simmering tensions over driver conduct, intra-team dynamics at Ferrari, and a growing push to revise the power unit formula. Each could shape the narrative for the upcoming races and influence long-term rules.

The details:

• Double standards claim: A clip shows Hamilton flipping his middle finger at Alpine’s Franco Colapinto after a collision on the opening lap. Dani Juncadella, Max Verstappen’s endurance racing teammate, accused the FIA of inconsistent enforcement, noting he was fined €5,000 for a similar gesture.
• Hamilton vs. Leclerc: Hamilton was outqualified and out-raced by Leclerc in Miami. Former IndyCar star James Hinchcliffe says the next few rounds will be critical in determining if Hamilton can match his teammate consistently. Hamilton has since ditched the Ferrari simulator to focus on real-world preparation.
• McLaren’s engine proposal: Team principal Andrea Stella argues the current power unit formula needs hardware changes to maximize potential. He proposed a 2028 deadline for implementing these revisions, citing deeper-than-expected problems with the existing engines.

What’s next:

The FIA may face pressure to clarify driver gesture penalties. Ferrari will see if Hamilton’s alternate prep pays off in Canada, while McLaren’s push for engine reform could gain traction among teams seeking more parity. The Miami fallout will likely linger through the next rounds.