2023-10-22 05:35:25
Austin (United States) (AFP) – Triple world champion Max Verstappen (Red Bull) won without trembling the sprint race of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix on Saturday at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin.
Published on: 10/22/2023 – 07:35 Modified on: 10/22/2023 – 07:33
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The Dutchman, who started from pole position, beat the Briton Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and the Monegasque Charles Leclerc (Ferrari).
The day following his disappointing sixth place during qualifying for the Grand Prix, Verstappen took his revenge on Saturday by taking pole and victory in the penultimate sprint of the season, which he flew from start to finish.
He first made a successful start by repelling Leclerc’s attack well before the first corner, before irremediably widening the gap on his pursuers.
“It was a bit tight at the first corner, but we left ourselves enough room and following that I was able to run my race. The pace of the car was very good today and I will need it tomorrow (Sunday ) starting from sixth place because I also want to win the Grand Prix,” said the Dutchman.
Max Verstappen’s single-seater during the sprint race of the United States F1 GP, October 21, 2023 in Austin © Jim WATSON / AFP
Hamilton closes in on Pérez
Hamilton, who finished more than nine seconds behind following the 19 laps of the race, however fulfilled his objective of the day by taking three points from Mexican Sergio Pérez, fifth on Saturday, in the battle for second place in the championship.
“It was a fun race. I had a good start and it was a great battle with Charles (Leclerc). I tried to hang on to Max (Verstappen) but his pace was just incredible. I’m However, very happy with this result,” said the seven-time world champion, who is now 27 lengths behind Pérez.
Lewis Hamilton following the sprint race of the United States F1 GP, October 21, 2023 in Austin © Chandan Khanna / AFP
Leclerc, who had won pole position for the Grand Prix on Friday and almost did it once more on Saturday, finally started second and quickly fell back one place following trying to attack Verstappen at the start of the race. The Monegasque, however, secured his place on the podium by resisting the return of the McLaren of Briton Lando Norris.
“There was a small opportunity, I tried to pass. Lewis (Hamilton) took advantage of it but anyway he was a little faster than us today. We will analyze the race data carefully and I hope we can win the Grand Prix tomorrow (Sunday),” explained the Ferrari driver.
Russell penalized, Gasly takes advantage
Spaniard Carlos Sainz took sixth place for the Scuderia following fending off the attacks of George Russell (Mercedes). The Briton, who crossed the line in seventh position, however finished eighth following receiving a five-second penalty for overtaking outside the limits of the track.
The single-seater of Frenchman Pierre Gasly during the sprint race of the United States GP, October 21, 2023 in Austin © Chandan Khanna / AFP
Pierre Gasly (Alpine) took advantage of the opportunity to climb to seventh place and score two points in the championship.
“I had to manage to pass the Williams at the start, which I did. Then I managed to stay aggressive and make a nice overtake on (Oscar) Piastri. Then it wasn’t easy, there was a lot of degradation in terms of tires but I was able to stay quite close to Russell,” declared the Frenchman on Canal+.
His teammate and compatriot finished in eleventh place following a frustrating race. “I made a good start, gaining a few places, but following that it lacked rhythm. We lacked speed, we were slow from start to finish, cursed the Norman. “I hope that tomorrow will be another day. “
Sunday during the Grand Prix, which will begin at 2:00 p.m. local time (9:00 p.m. French), Max Verstappen will start in sixth position and will attempt to make another comeback to achieve the 50th success of his career. But he will have a hard time facing Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren who will try to prevent him from achieving new success.
© 2023 AFP
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