Leclerc raises safety concerns ahead of potentially wet Miami GP

Charles Leclerc has voiced apprehension about racing in heavy rain at the Miami Grand Prix, referencing his crash in similar conditions during the Sprint event's reconnaissance lap. The Ferrari driver acknowledged minor safety improvements but highlighted unresolved issues with the current cars and tires in the wet, with a stormy forecast threatening Sunday's race. Other drivers, including Carlos Sainz and Kimi Antonelli, have echoed concerns about aquaplaning and visibility on the Miami circuit.

Why it matters:

Wet-weather racing presents one of the most significant safety challenges in Formula 1. With the 2026 regulations approaching, driver feedback on the current generation's performance in extreme conditions is crucial for shaping future safety standards and car design. A chaotic, rain-affected race in Miami could force the issue onto the FIA's priority list.

The details:

• Leclerc's Cautious Stance: Following his heavy crash in Miami Sprint qualifying rain, Leclerc stated that while "small changes" have been made for wet running, the drivers are not "fully satisfied" with the current level of safety.
• Tire Performance a Key Issue: He specifically pointed to the tire performance as an area needing further investigation, compounded by the fact that teams have had "very little running with this car on the wets."
• Forecast Drives Concern: The primary catalyst for the discussion is a dire Sunday forecast predicting an 80% chance of rain and potential thunderstorms, while Friday and Saturday are expected to be largely dry.
• Driver Consensus on Risks: Carlos Sainz and Kimi Antonelli also expressed enthusiasm for wet racing but highlighted the persistent dangers of aquaplaning on a track prone to standing water and the critical visibility issues caused by spray.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the skies and the track conditions on Grand Prix Sunday. The event could serve as a major real-world test for the current cars' wet-weather capabilities and safety protocols.

• Leclerc noted that "only time will tell" if the precautions taken are an overreaction, with the race itself providing the ultimate answer.
• The outcome and any incidents during a wet race will likely intensify paddock discussions about mandatory changes for improving driver safety in poor conditions before the 2026 season.