Verstappen wins sprint race at Miami GP; see final classification

Max Verstappen This Saturday, the 4th, he achieved his ninth sprint victory in Formula 1. The Dutchman, a big favorite for the fourth championship, won the sprint of Miami Grand Prix with extreme ease. He was followed by Charles Leclerc It is Sergio Pérez. Positive highlight for Daniel Ricciardo, in 4th.

With another victory, Verstappen further isolates himself at the top of the drivers’ world championship, with 118 points. His Red Bull teammate, Sérgio Pérez is second with 91. Leclerc has 83, against Sainz’s 73.

“I didn’t have a good start, but then it was good. I managed to slowly increase the gap. It wasn’t perfect, but we’ll be able to adjust the car for the race. I believe we’ll be better. I’m happy to win the sprint,” said Verstappen.

The race started hot. Leclerc started well and threatened Verstappen’s lead, who “closed the door” and remained ahead. Also noteworthy is Ricciardo. The Australian took advantage of a mistake by Sérgio Pérez to take third place.

The safety car was activated on the first lap following a crash involving several cars, including the two Aston Martin cars, Norris’ McLaren, which had to abandon the race, as well as Lance Stroll, and Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes. As a result, the drivers had to go to the pits.

When the race resumed, Verstappen stepped on the accelerator and was no longer threatened. Pérez quickly passed Ricciardo, but was unable to put pressure on Leclerc and finished behind the Monegasque, who finished second. Carlos Sainz, from Ferrari, did a light sprint and came in fifth, followed by Oscar Piastri, from McLaren, and Nico Hülkenberg, from Haas.

With the first positions defined, the excitement was focused on the fight for eighth place. Seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton fought a duel with Kevin Magnussen, but ended up overtaken by Yuki Tsunoda. The German only recovered his position on the last lap, but suffered a penalty and was left in 16th. The same happened with Magnussen, the last one. The Japanese finished 8th.