Leclerc flags concerns as Miami GP weather worries intensify

The Scuderia Ferrari driver, who crashed during his reconnaissance lap for the 2025 Miami Sprint after losing control in heavy rain, was asked about the challenges of racing the current generation cars in similar conditions. Leclerc pointed to recent discussions within the paddock and minor adjustments made to improve wet-weather safety, but admitted there are still unresolved concerns, particularly given the limited running these cars have had in wet conditions.

Speaking to GPblog, Leclerc said: “It’s quite good that we have had those five weeks to discuss the different changes and obviously the wet running was one of those points, so there are some small changes on that as well which will make it better. Is it at a level that we are all fully satisfied with? I don’t think so, and the tyre side is definitely something that we still need to investigate. But it’s also true we’ve had very little running with this car on the wets so far, so it’s a bit difficult to judge. But I guess we’ll all know on Sunday because the forecast is not looking great. We already took some precautions to try and be on the safer side of things. Is that an overreaction? I think only time will tell, and Sunday we’ll know.”

The weather forecast, particularly for Grand Prix Sunday, has been one to have caught the attention of many. Aside from carrying an 80% chance of rain, a forecast of thunderstorms, which could further impact the overall race, is on the horizon. In the interim, Friday and Sprint Saturday are expected to be largely dry, albeit with varying wind conditions.

With extreme weather forecast for Sunday, Formula 1 drivers have shared their views on the prospect of racing under such conditions. Both Carlos Sainz and Kimi Antonelli expressed enthusiasm about racing in the rain when asked about wet-weather running at the Miami circuit. However, they also highlighted the significant safety risks involved, while suggesting that improvements could be made to enhance wet-weather racing.

The pair pointed to the risk of aquaplaning on a circuit prone to standing water, as well as the ongoing visibility issues that continue to challenge drivers in heavy rain.

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