Premiere victory: Lando Norris dupes Max Verstappen

In the sixth race of the season there was a winner other than Verstappen for the second time, who had previously only failed to reach the finish first when he retired in Australia. Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz won in Melbourne, and this time Norris provided the longed-for change at the top. In the overall standings, however, triple champion Verstappen continues to lead confidently ahead of his teammate Sergio Pérez.

Perennial winner Verstappen won the first two guest appearances in Miami. And the Dutchman simply continued with it at first. From the best starting position, the defending champion immediately took the lead, as befits his status. Next to him, Leclerc came off badly. Behind him, Pérez raced cockily towards the first corner and almost caused a crash. The Mexican only narrowly missed the rear of his teammate Verstappen. The two Ferrari drivers Leclerc and Sainz were also lucky that there was no collision. At the start of the race everything looked like Max Verstappen would win again. © APA / CHRIS GRAYTHEN

Verstappen was then able to quickly build up a cushion and control the race. The first pursuer was soon the Australian Oscar Piastri. The 23-year-old took advantage of the start and rushed from sixth to third. He soon overtook Leclerc and was now second. After a good twelve laps the work of the pit crews began, the first tire changes caused confusion in the field. Leader Verstappen himself caused further excitement. After a driving error, he cleared a bollard on the side of the track. A virtual safety car briefly slowed down the field for the clean-up work, Verstappen got new rubber rollers a little later and seemed to be still on course for victory.

Safety car reshuffles the cards But then an accident between Kevin Magnussen in the Haas and Williams driver Logan Sargeant brought new tension. This time the real safety car was deployed. McLaren driver Norris benefited because he delayed his pit stop. Because the field was slowed down, the 24-year-old lost less time at the garage and was now leading Verstappen. Lando Norris was in a class of his own after the restart. © APA/AFP / JIM WATSON

At the restart, Norris cleverly maintained first place and was then able to keep the world champion at bay. A tough duel between Sainz and Piastri deprived the McLaren driver of all chances. While Sainz rolled towards the finish in fourth place, Piastri had to pit with a damaged car and fell far behind. However, his stable rival Norris was no longer in danger at the front and threw McLaren into a frenzy of joy with his victory.

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Premiere victory: Lando Norris dupes Max Verstappen

Formula 1 surprise in Miami: McLaren young star Lando Norris won a Grand Prix for the first time in his career. The Brit took advantage of a favorable safety car period on Sunday in the heat of Florida.

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