2023-10-21 22:54:51
World champion Max Verstappen has won the sprint before the Formula 1 US Grand Prix in Austin. The Dutchman took a controlled victory from pole position on Saturday at the Circuit of The Americas, with Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) taking the other podium places. For the Red Bull star, who is already confirmed as champion, it was the third victory in the fifth sprint this year.
After the start, Verstappen maintained the lead with some difficulty, while Hamilton rushed forward from third place on the grid and then passed Leclerc. With DRS support, Hamilton even managed to get close to Verstappen a few times, but was unable to get into a position to overtake him. Around the middle of the 19-lap sprint distance, the Englishman’s gap began to increase. Verstappen didn’t make any mistakes until the end and picked up eight points for the win.
“The car’s pace was very good today and I need it tomorrow too,” said the 26-year-old. “I hope we can have some fun tomorrow. And of course I want to win.” At the Grand Prix on Sunday (9 p.m./both live on ServusTV and Sky), Monegasque Leclerc will start the race from first place on the grid. After a mistake in qualifying, Verstappen was only left with sixth place. His best time was canceled following he briefly went off the track.
He is aiming for his 15th Grand Prix victory of the season on Sunday, which would mean equaling his record from last year. After Austin there are four more races over the full distance on the program, and there is also another sprint in Brazil.
Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez is still fighting for second place in the World Championship, the Mexican took fifth place in the sprint and will start the race from ninth position. Perez is currently 27 points ahead of seven-time champion Hamilton.
“The race was really fun,” emphasized following the sprint. “I had a good start in Turn 1, a good battle with Charles and then tried to get closer to Max, but their pace is undeniable at the moment.”
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