Stewards open multiple investigations after chaotic final lap at Miami GP

The FIA stewards at the Miami Grand Prix have launched multiple investigations into a series of incidents on the final lap, involving top drivers including Charles Leclerc, George Russell, and Max Verstappen. The late-race chaos has left several drivers at risk of post-race penalties, adding another layer of drama to the conclusion of the Miami event.

Why it matters:

Post-race investigations can significantly alter the final race standings, impacting championship points and team morale. With multiple top-ten drivers involved, any resulting penalties could reshuffle the order long after the checkered flag has fallen, underscoring the intense, wheel-to-wheel battles that defined the closing stages of the race.

The details:

The stewards' list of incidents is extensive, focusing largely on the frantic final tour of the Miami International Autodrome.

• Charles Leclerc is under investigation for three separate incidents:
  • Leaving the track multiple times and gaining a lasting advantage.
  • Causing a collision with George Russell at Turn 17 on the final lap.
  • Driving his Ferrari in an unsafe condition after a spin and contact with the wall damaged his SF-26 at the beginning of the final lap.
• George Russell is involved in two incidents:
  • The aforementioned collision with Leclerc at Turn 17.
  • Contact with Max Verstappen at Turn 1, which damaged the front wing of his Mercedes W17.
• Max Verstappen is also under scrutiny for a separate incident, potentially crossing the line at the pit exit earlier in the race.
• Additional investigations from earlier in the afternoon include:
  • Liam Lawson for his crash with Pierre Gasly.
  • Fernando Alonso, Alex Albon, and Esteban Ocon for possible yellow flag infringements.

What's next:

The stewards will now review onboard footage, telemetry data, and team submissions before deciding on any potential penalties.

• Time penalties are the most likely outcome for infractions like causing a collision or gaining an advantage off-track.
• Points on a driver's super license or grid penalties for the next race are also possible, though less common for isolated incidents.
• The results of these investigations will finalize the official classification for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, potentially changing the points haul for Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull.