Motorsport TechnologyThe Scuderia Ferrari Formula One team is taking positives from the Miami Grand Prix weekend despite a disappointing result on paper.
Initially, the race started well, with fast starting Charles Leclerc leading the race eventual race winner Kimi Antonelli in the early stages.
The Monegasque eventually finished eighth behind Franco Colapinto and teammate Lewis Hamilton after he received a 20-second time penalty for leaving the track on the final lap whilst fighting for third.
“The start and race overall went well and we were fighting for the podium,” commented Leclerc on the official Ferrari website.
“At the end, unfortunately, I made a mistake that cost me several positions. That’s on me and I will make sure I don’t repeat it again.
“We will take the time we have in this short break before our next race in Canada to review and take some steps forward.”
For Hamilton, the race was equally dramatic, the seven-time champ sustaining a damaged floor and right sidepod after an opening lap collision with Franco Colapinto.
But he will still be disappointed to have finished behind old rival Max Verstappen despite the Dutchman enduring a dramatic 360-degree spin on the opening lap.
“Today’s race was affected by what happened on the opening lap, and with the damage I sustained, P7 was the best result we could achieve,” said Hamilton.
“Overall, it was a challenging weekend, but I believe we have a good car and there are some positives to take away.
“We just need to keep pushing, both at the factory and at the track, to keep adding performance and close the gap as we move forward.”
It all means that with the resurgence of defending champions McLaren, Lando Norris and Hamilton close the gap to eight points on Leclerc, whilst the battle for second in the constructors’ is cut to 16 points.
Next up is the Canadian Grand Prix at the famous Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a track that takes a notorious toll on the brakes and tyres.
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