Frustrated Leclerc 'Struggled' in Miami GP Qualifying as Ferrari Loses Edge

Charles Leclerc expressed frustration after qualifying third for the Miami Grand Prix, admitting he "struggled" with the car's feeling and pace despite showing strong form in practice. Kimi Antonelli took pole for Mercedes, with a resurgent Max Verstappen and a significantly upgraded Red Bull slotting into second, pushing the Ferrari driver off the front row.

Why it matters:

Ferrari appeared to have closed the gap to Mercedes during the five-week break, but their failure to convert practice pace into a front-row qualifying result raises questions about their consistency and ability to challenge for wins. Red Bull's dramatic step forward with a major upgrade also signals a potential three-way fight at the front, complicating the championship picture just as Ferrari seemed poised to strike.

The details:

• Leclerc topped the extended Friday practice session, suggesting Ferrari had found improved performance.
• His feeling with the car deteriorated significantly on Saturday, leading to P3 finishes in both the Sprint Race and Grand Prix qualifying.
• The driver cited changing wind conditions and possible poor anticipation of track evolution as factors, but was clear the car's weaknesses became more apparent when pushing for a single lap.
• Red Bull's Resurgence: Leclerc specifically noted his surprise at Verstappen's pace, attributing it to a "significant upgrade" that has brought Red Bull back to the front row after a difficult start to the 2026 season.
• Antonelli's Form: The Ferrari driver was less surprised by Kimi Antonelli's pole, acknowledging Mercedes as the fastest car this year and the rookie's "incredible job" in recent races.

What's next:

The focus for Leclerc and Ferrari shifts to understanding Saturday's performance drop and maximizing their race-day strategy. Starting from third, Leclerc will need a strong start and clever tire management to challenge the Mercedes and the resurgent Red Bull ahead. The Grand Prix will be a critical test of whether Ferrari's practice pace was genuine or if their qualifying struggles reveal a deeper vulnerability in their 2026 package.