Even after his early World Cup triumph in Formula 1, Max Verstappen is unstoppable. The Red Bull driver confidently took victory in the sprint race before the US Grand Prix in Austin on Saturday. At the finish, the triple champion was more than nine seconds ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes after 19 laps. “Simply wonderful,” said Verstappen on the pit radio. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc came third in Texas.
At the start, Verstappen defended his leading position hard against Leclerc, pushing the Monegasque man far to the edge of the track. Leclerc therefore had to let Hamilton pass in the first corner. The Brit then went after Verstappen, but was unable to get within striking distance of an overtaking maneuver.
Unexpectedly close race
After the first third of the race, Verstappen gained more and more distance from Hamilton and controlled the action until the finish. For the Dutchman it was his third victory in the fifth sprint race of the season. He had already won the format, which was shortened to around 100 kilometers, in Austria and Belgium.
Nico Hülkenberg was once again far behind. The Haas driver had to be content with 15th place. “It was difficult,” said Hülkenberg. His team’s hopes for a comprehensive package of new components for the car have not yet been fulfilled, at least in Texas.
“We controlled the pace and in the end it was fun. We were able to drive at our own rhythm,” said Max Verstappen after taking pole position for the sprint race. : Image: dpa
The tension in the World Cup hasn’t just been lost since the decision in Qatar two weeks ago. In Texas, things have been unexpectedly tight on the bumpy route so far, so the sprint gave hope for a bit of variety. “We are all very close to each other. But we already have the World Cup in our pockets,” said Verstappen in advance.
Right from the start, Verstappen showed why he is dominating the 2023 season. He acted cleverly on the striking steep climb to the first corner and defended first place on the grid against Leclerc with a good maneuver. The beneficiary of the duel was Hamilton, who moved up to second position.
There is no duel between old rivals
The Brit had already praised the Austin update of the Silver Arrows after his first impressions and now demonstrated the improvements to his car in the race. Hamilton was able to keep up with Verstappen. He in turn complained via radio about the drivability and nervous rear of his Red Bull.
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However, Verstappen dashed hopes of a thrilling duel between his old rivals early on. After a third of the race distance of 19 laps, Verstappen pulled away sufficiently to keep Hamilton out of the DRS window. As a result, he steadily increased his lead over the seven-time champion.
Verstappen beckons 50th Formula 1 success
In the Grand Prix on Sunday (9 p.m.), Verstappen is now aiming for the 50th Formula 1 success of his career – a challenge given sixth place on the grid. His own points record from the previous season (454) is more within reach. A win in Austin would be the 15th of the season and equal his record set in 2022.
Leclerc starts from his third pole position of the season, behind him Lando Norris will start in the McLaren. The Brit can hope for a top result in his 100th race in the premier class. Hamilton is in third place.
2023-10-22 01:27:29
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