Max Verstappen won the inaugural Miami Grand Prix to register his third win of the season after Jeddah and Imola and get even closer to the top of the F1 Driver Standings
Max Verstappen resisted a late onslaught to win the inaugural Miami Grand Prix and Charles Leclerc’s championship lead to 19 points. Verstappen was in supreme form amid an incredible atmosphere at America’s new street track and was comfortable after overtaking both Ferraris early on, before a late Safety Car – caused by a dramatic Lando Norris crash – led to a thrilling finale as the field bunched up. Verstappen has become the first Miami GP winner, ensuring he has claimed victory in all three races he has finished this year.
Verstappen began the day P3 on the starting grid while Leclerc had the pole position. On the first straight to start the race, the Red Bull driver gained a spot, overtaking Sainz Jr. at P2.Verstappen eventually passed Leclerc as they raced into Turn 1. Later in the race, a safety car was activated after Lando Norris crashed due to contact with Pierre Gasly.
Once the safety car cleared, numerous battles ensued, including Verstappen and Leclerc, Sainz and Sergio Perez and the two Mercedes drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.Verstappen kept his P1 for the remainder of the race, despite a late challenge from Leclerc, securing the chequered flag.
This win for Verstappen means he could very well overtake championship leader, Charles Leclerc if he wins the Spanish GP in Barcelona in two weeks’ time.
Ferrari enjoy a lead on top of both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. Charles Leclerc leads the driver’s standings with 104 points while a third race win of the season means Max Verstappen has reduced the gap and occupies second place with 85 points followed by his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez in third place with 66 points.
In the constructors’ championship, Ferrari’s comfortable lead at the top has been reduced drastically by Red Bull. Ferrari lead the table with 157 points but Red Bull are just behind six points behind them on 151. There is a fair amount of gap between the top 2 teams and the rest of the grid with Mercedes occupying third place having earned 95 points.
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