(Miami) Who else but defending champion Max Verstappen to win the first Florida Grand Prix in Formula 1 history?
Posted at 5:16 p.m.
Updated at 5:19 p.m.
It’s a second victory in a row and a third in five Grands Prix this season for the Red Bull driver, who rode flawlessly in the oppressive heat of Miami. He also clocked the fastest lap.
“I think I could use a drink, my friend!” launched the Dutchman into his microphone once his single-seater had stopped.
It was over 30 degrees Celsius in the air and about 38 degrees on the track when the start was given in front of some 82,000 spectators on site. The track temperature varied from start to finish, reaching 46 degrees at one point.
“It was an incredible race, really physical, said the Dutchman at the microphone of F1. But I think we kept it exciting until the end. »
Verstappen’s main rival this season, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, took second, followed by teammate Carlos Sainz. The other Red Bull, driven by Sergio Pérez, finished just off the podium.
This is the third time this season that the Ferrari drivers have both finished on the podium. And it happens this time on the day of the 40and anniversary of the death of Gilles Villeneuve.
“It was a really difficult race physically, also mentioned Leclerc. […] At some point towards the end I thought I might catch up to Max, but they [les Red Bull] had the advantage in terms of pace today. But it was fun. It’s great to see so many people [dans les estrades] again ! »
little action
Let’s be honest: this first passage of the queen discipline of motorsport in Florida will not necessarily mark the spirits in terms of spectacle on the track.
The start of the race, if not the first half, didn’t see much action. Once the start was launched, Verstappen, third on the starting grid, immediately made a nice maneuver to the outside in order to pass Carlos Sainz. He thus lined up behind his main rival since the start of the season, Charles Leclerc, who held pole position.
The two leaders in the drivers’ standings quickly distanced themselves from their pursuers, but the Ferrari did not stay in front for very long. Damage to his right front wheel caused him to lose speed and allowed the reigning world champion to overtake on the right 9and lap in order to take the reins of the race.
From there, the gap between the two riders only grew wider. Verstappen held a nearly 8-second lead over Leclerc in 40and lap, when contact between the right rear wheel of Pierre Gasly’s AlphaTauri and the left front wheel of Lando Norris’ McLaren forced the safety car out.
The raise at 46and turn gave Charles Leclerc a better chance of overtaking his opponent, but without much success. The leading pack ultimately remained the same.
The show was a little more interesting in the middle of the pack. Mick Schumacher (Haas) and Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin) notably fought a great battle for the 9and place, but a collision at the end of the course finally relegated them to 16and and 17and ranks.
Lewis Hamilton, who has been dealing with various problems since the start of the season, concluded in 6and position at the wheel of his Mercedes.
The Quebecer Lance Stroll for his part took the 12and rank. Note that the two Aston Martins had to start from the pits, while the team had a fuel problem.