Max Verstappen described himself as "incredibly happy" as he fended off Charles Leclerc for victory in the inaugural Miami Grand Prix. Red Bull driver Verstappen, who qualified third, made light work of the Ferraris as the race began, passing Carlos Sainz into Turn 1 and clearing Leclerc a few laps later. However, a late Safety Car brought Leclerc back into play, with the Monegasque putting plenty of pressure on the Dutchman amid the intense Florida heat. Verstappen survived several DRS (Drag Reduction System) attacks to take the win - his second in a row - and cut Leclerc's championship lead to 19 points.
Verstappen holds on for back-to-back wins
"It was an incredible Grand Prix, very physical as well, but I think we kept it exciting until the end!" Verstappen said after the race. Retired American racing driver Willy T. Ribbs, conducting the post-race interviews, commented that Verstappen looked in "good shape" despite the tough battle, and suggested he's "ready to get into the boxing ring". "I think I'll stick to racing, but I appreciate boxing a lot. It felt a little bit like that out there in terms of how we feel right now!" Verstappen added. "I'm incredibly happy with winning here in Miami. It was an incredible Sunday for us."
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