Max Verstappen continues resurgence in Miami grand prix victory
Max Verstappen has held off a late race challenge from Ferrari to secure victory in the Miami grand prix.
Max Verstappen after winning the Miami Grand Prix. (Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool)
Verstappen started third and overtook Carlos Sainz at the start to move into second behind Charles Leclerc.
"It feels amazing to win in Miami, the whole atmosphere this weekend has been incredible and to win in the US is always a nice feeling," said Verstappen.
The Dutchman chased down the championship leader and made his move past Leclerc in the early stages, pulling a comfortable lead before a late safety car brought the field back together.
Pierre Gasly, suffering a steering issue, pulled back onto the track and clipped Lando Norris, sending him spinning into the wall.
Max Verstappen leads Charles Leclerc in Miami. (Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool)
Leclerc, back in DRS range with his Red Bull rival, made several attempts to pass Verstappen, but the world champion held him off to take his third victory of the 2022 season.
"It was a physically tough race; I think I must have lost around 3kgs!" said Verstappen.
"We had a really good pace on the minimum tire, that for sure helped to make my race."
"Once we had the pitstop I was just managing my time to Charles, I think we were very closely matched on the hard tire."
"Then the safety car came out which made it more entertaining for the fans, I had to push hard today but we made it work."
"I'm super pleased for the team, we didn't have a great start to the weekend so we've come far, a big thank you to everyone."
Leclerc holds his lead of the championship, with Verstappen reducing his gap to the leader to just 19 points.
Carlos Sainz was third for Ferrari after holding off the second Red Bull of Sergio Perez.
The Formula 1 season resumes May 20-22 with the Spanish grand prix.
