Schumacher crashes Vettel out
Verstappen distances Leclerc in hot Miami duel
05/08/2022, 11:09 p.m
Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has secured another place in the history books: the Red Bull driver wins the first GP in Miami after pushing ahead of both Ferraris. Sebastian Vettel starts from the pit lane, catches up strongly – but then Mick Schumacher clears him just before the end.
While Sebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher trudged through the paddock completely exhausted after their late crash, Max Verstappen let it rip after his triumph at the new Glamor Grand Prix in Miami. “I think I need a drink,” said the world champion on the radio after his second win in a row. The Red Bull driver won after a flawless performance in front of Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari and reduced the gap in the world championship to 19 points.
“It was very exhausting, but I’m very happy with this win,” said Verstappen. Schumacher and Vettel, however, caused a late German drama: Haas driver Schumacher was well on the way to scoring his first World Championship points in the 26th Formula 1 race when the German duel ensued. Both collided, Vettel retired and Schumacher fell back to the end of the field. “I didn’t see that!” Vettel protested on the pit radio. “That was clearly my turn,” cried Schumacher – he now has to be patient. For ex-world champion Vettel in the Aston Martin, the race had already started annoyingly. After technical problems, the man from Heppenheim had to start from the pit lane.
In the meantime, Leclerc complained on the radio about his “difficult” to drive Ferrari, the Monegasse could never really keep up with the pace of the very strong Verstappen in a race without much excitement. It only got tight again after a safety car period. Record champion Lewis Hamilton finished sixth in the Mercedes.
Stars and starlets see Vettel’s next setback
Schumacher gained two positions before the start – because the Aston Martins owned by Vettel and Lance Stroll had problems with the fuel temperature and the duo had to pull out of the pit lane. The next setback for Vettel in this messed up season so far, after he had actually shown an upward trend in eighth place in Imola.
Hamilton and Co. were impressed by the special atmosphere in the “Magic City” of Miami. “Even when I walk through the city and see events everywhere,” enthused the Briton. The organizers also came up with some ideas along the route, including fans being able to follow the race around the Hard Rock Stadium in a beach club with their feet in the sand or in a pool. Music stars heated up the crowd, stars such as football icon Tom Brady, basketball legend Michael Jordan, actor Ashton Kutcher or musician Pharrell Williams and David Beckham enjoyed the flair, and former first lady Michelle Obama also paid a visit to the Formula 1 pits .
On the track, the race couldn’t keep up with the surroundings. The start was unspectacular, Leclerc was able to defend his lead. Behind him, Verstappen overtook Sainz, the Dutchman then lurked for his chance – and overtook Leclerc at the beginning of the ninth lap. As a result, Verstappen was able to get some air in a duel with Leclerc.
In midfield, Schumacher fought in several duels – also with his teammate Kevin Magnussen – for every position and the supervision of the first championship points. After two thirds of the race he was in twelfth place and made up places, but the drama started late. The first pit stops did not change anything at the top, Verstappen did his laps with a comfortable lead and no wobbles. A late safety car phase after a collision between Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris caused a bit of tension again, but Verstappen also prevailed at the restart.