Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc underlined once again in the very first GP of Miami that they are in charge in Formula 1. Verstappen won this battle in the battle for the title.
On the brand new track, the Red Bull driver seemed to be heading for a dominant victory after a strong start, but had to pull out all the stops in the end to keep the Ferrari driver behind. Verstappen therefore crawls further towards the Monegask in the World Cup.
Beat two Ferraris
The Limburger, who started third, needed eight laps to trump the two Ferraris that started in front of him: he gave Carlos Sainz the check in the very first corner of the race by passing him cleverly from the outside and immediately started the hunt for Leclerc, who could not enjoy his leading position for long. In the eighth race lap, Verstappen drove to and past the hopeless Monegask in one go.
Everything is fine
Race leader Verstappen was then apparently able to easily parry Leclerc’s lap times and also saw the Ferrari leader make mistakes. With a few seconds ahead, there seemed to be no problem, although there were worrying reports from teammate Sergio Perez: who was struggling with technical problems, something that already cost Verstappen two podium finishes this season.
safety car
Verstappen was now spared and won even more ground at the pit stops on Leclerc, who ended up more than seven seconds behind the Red Bull driver. Only a safety car situation seemed to jeopardize Verstappen’s victory, and that safety car came: sixteen laps before the end McLaren driver Lando Norris crashed and the race was neutralized.
Battle won
Of the top four, only number four Perez used that moment to screw new tires under his car, but that didn’t help him. There Verstappen and Leclerc got into a fight, not for the first time this season. The Limburger had to defend tooth and nail and won the battle, and also recorded the fastest race lap. “It was physically demanding, but also exciting until the end. I am very happy with this victory,” said the winner in a hot Miami.
19 points
Verstappen has therefore again succeeded in narrowing the gap to World Cup leader Leclerc. In Imola, the margin had already shrunk to 27 points, now the Ferrari driver’s lead is reduced to 19 points. Verstappen has won more GPs than Leclerc – three for two – but is still behind due to two retirements. Verstappen won all the races he did.
Barcelona
The next grand prix is in two weeks in Barcelona, Spain, where Verstappen booked his first F1 race win in 2016.