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F1 Rule Fixes Debut in Miami as Leclerc Tops Extended Practice

The tweaks aim to curb dangerous power spikes that left drivers facing sudden speed gaps on straights.

Overview

  • Following Friday's 90‑minute practice at the Miami Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc led in an upgraded Ferrari as Mercedes hit early power‑unit trouble.
  • The FIA’s mid‑season package now caps per‑lap recharge at 7 MJ, raises brief “superclip” bursts to 350 kW, limits extra Boost to 150 kW, and tiers MGU‑K output to 350 kW in key zones and 250 kW elsewhere.
  • The changes target “superclipping,” where cars slowed while recharging even at full throttle, after drivers flagged unsafe closing speeds and a high‑speed crash in Japan.
  • Teams used a five‑week break after canceled Middle East rounds to bring major upgrades, with McLaren calling its MCL40 “a completely new car” and Red Bull and Ferrari unveiling wide‑ranging updates.
  • Max Verstappen said the tweaks are only “a tickle,” and heavy rain and thunderstorm forecasts could force red flags under U.S. lightning rules and trigger new wet‑weather energy limits.