Lewis Hamilton Nearly Replicates Charles Leclerc’s Crash Before Surprise Sprint Podium in Miami
In a thrilling and unpredictable Miami Grand Prix Sprint race, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton narrowly avoided a disaster similar to Charles Leclerc’s previous crash, salvaging his race to claim a surprising podium finish. The incident, which unfolded during the closing stages of the Sprint, showcased Hamilton’s veteran instincts and razor-sharp reflexes, highlighting both the treacherous nature of the Miami circuit and the Mercedes driver’s enduring class.
As the Sprint unfolded on the slick and temperamental surface of the Miami International Autodrome, multiple drivers struggled with grip and track limits. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc had earlier paid the price for a miscalculation in a similar corner sequence, losing control and slamming into the barriers—an incident that eliminated him from contention and reshuffled the field.
Hamilton, starting from a mid-grid position after a less-than-ideal qualifying, was mounting a comeback through the field when he encountered a heart-stopping moment. On Lap 15 of the 19-lap Sprint, he ran slightly wide at Turn 17, unsettling the car and sending it perilously close to the barriers at the final corner. It was a moment eerily reminiscent of Leclerc’s crash from Friday practice in the same section, where the tight confines and off-camber exit have caught out even the best.
But Hamilton, known for his car control and ability to recover from high-pressure moments, kept his composure. Applying rapid counter-steering and subtle throttle adjustments, he managed to keep the W15 from veering into the wall. The crowd gasped as he corrected the slide, narrowly missing a repeat of Leclerc’s fate by mere inches.
Speaking after the race, Hamilton admitted: “That was a close call—I honestly thought I’d lost it for a second. The car just snapped, and I had flashbacks to Charles’ crash. Luckily, I caught it just in time.”
His recovery proved crucial, as he went on to secure P3 in the Sprint, behind Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. The unexpected podium was Mercedes’ first Sprint top-three of the season and a morale-boosting result amid a challenging year for the team.
Team principal Toto Wolff praised Hamilton’s skill, calling it “a masterclass in control under pressure,” while also noting the team’s need to improve rear grip and overall balance in slower corners. The Miami layout, particularly in its final sector, has been notoriously tricky due to its narrow exit and varying asphalt levels.
The result gives Hamilton a valuable six points in the championship standings and a renewed sense of momentum heading into Sunday’s Grand Prix. It also reinforced the notion that even in an era dominated by Red Bull, Hamilton remains a formidable force, capable of extracting brilliance even in imperfect machinery.
With the Sprint format continuing to provide surprises and drama, Hamilton’s Miami escape act will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the season’s key moments—an almost crash turned into a heroic podium charge by one of F1’s great
est ever drivers.