Even after his early World Cup triumph in Formula 1, Max Verstappen is unstoppable. The Red Bull driver confidently took victory in the sprint race before the US Grand Prix in Austin on Saturday (local time).
At the finish, the triple champion was more than nine seconds ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes after 19 laps.
Leclerc remains behind Hamilton
“Just wonderful”said Verstappen on the pit radio. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc came third in Texas.
At the start, Verstappen defended his leading position hard against Leclerc, pushing the Monegasque man far to the edge of the track. Leclerc therefore had to let Hamilton pass in the first corner.
Didn’t come within striking distance
The Brit then went after Verstappen, but was unable to get within striking distance of an overtaking maneuver. After the first third of the race, Verstappen gained more and more distance from Hamilton and controlled the action until the finish.
For the Dutchman it was his third victory in the fifth sprint race of the season. He had already won the format, which was shortened to around 100 kilometers, in Austria and Belgium.
Hülkenberg far behind
Nico Hülkenberg was once again far behind. The Haas driver had to be content with 15th place. His team’s hopes for a comprehensive package of new components for the car have not yet been fulfilled, at least in Texas. Verstappen had already clinched his third world title two weeks ago in Qatar.
However, the 26-year-old made a driving mistake in qualifying for the main race in Austin on Friday. His best time was canceled because he briefly went off the track. Therefore, Verstappen will only start the Grand Prix on Sunday (October 22, 2023, 9 p.m., live ticker at sportschau.de) from sixth place. Leclerc took pole position.