Lots of parties, even more show, celebrities without end – and a triumph for the world champion: Max Verstappen has won the new Glamor Grand Prix in Miami. After a flawless performance, the Red Bull driver prevailed against pole setter Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari and reduced the gap in the world championship to 19 points with his second win in a row. Third was Carlos Sainz in the second Ferrari.
Mick Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel caused late drama: Haas driver Schumacher was well on the way to scoring his first World Championship points in the 26th Formula 1 race when the German duel ensued. Both collided, Vettel retired and Schumacher fell back to the end of the field.
For ex-world champion Vettel in the Aston Martin, the race had already gotten off to a bad start. After technical problems, the man from Heppenheim had to start from the pit lane.
In the meantime, Leclerc complained on the radio about his “difficult” to drive Ferrari, the Monegasse could never really keep up with the pace of the very strong Verstappen in a race without much excitement. It only got tight again after a safety car period. Record champion Lewis Hamilton finished sixth in the Mercedes.
Schumacher gained two positions before the start – because the Aston Martins owned by Vettel and Lance Stroll had problems with the fuel temperature and the duo had to pull out of the pit lane. The next setback for Vettel in this messed up season so far, after he had actually shown an upward trend in eighth place in Imola.
VIP casserole at the Formula 1 premiere in Miami
Hamilton and Co. were impressed by the special atmosphere in the “Magic City” of Miami. “Even when I walk through the city and see events everywhere,” enthused the Briton. The organizers also came up with some ideas along the route, including fans being able to follow the race around the Hard Rock Stadium in a beach club with their feet in the sand or in a pool.
Music stars heated up the crowd, stars such as football icon Tom Brady, basketball legend Michael Jordan, actor Ashton Kutcher or musician Pharrell Williams and David Beckham enjoyed the flair, and former first lady Michelle Obama also paid a visit to the Formula 1 pits .
The race becomes boring
On the track, the race couldn’t keep up with the surroundings. The start was unspectacular, Leclerc was able to defend his lead. Behind him, Verstappen overtook Sainz, the Dutchman then lurked for his chance – and overtook Leclerc at the beginning of the ninth lap. As a result, Verstappen was able to get some air in a duel with Leclerc.
In midfield, Schumacher fought in several duels – also with his teammate Kevin Magnussen – for every position and the supervision of the first championship points. After two thirds of the race he was in twelfth place and made up places, but the drama started late.
The first pit stops did not change anything at the top, Verstappen did his laps with a comfortable lead and no wobbles. A late safety car phase after a collision between Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris caused a bit of tension again, but Verstappen also prevailed at the restart.