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NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JULY 31: Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing talks with Red Bull Racing Team Consultant Dr Helmut Marko in the garage during practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on July 31, 2020 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images,)
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NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JULY 31: Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing talks with Red Bull Racing Team Consultant Dr Helmut Marko in the garage during practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on July 31, 2020 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images,)
Racing enthusiasts and celebrities around the world made their presence known in Miami as F1 makes its first-ever appearance in Miami. The race did not disappoint. Max Verstappen clinched the victory as Charles Leclerc finished behind him.
MAXXX ROCKS MIAMIIII!! 🏆 Victory in the first-ever #MiamiGP 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/uJSzmdqMPy
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) May 8, 2022
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The drivers were looking to play it safe during the early part of the race. However, a crash between Lando Norris and Pierre Gasly in lap 41 opened up the Grand Prix. With long straights and sharp corners on display, the drivers had a challenging task. As the heat boils down onto the track, the tire degradation was high. And, as a result, the teams struggled for grip.
READ MORE: Nightmare Turn 14 at F1 Miami GP Claims Sainz & Ocon as Victims – The FIA Turn a Blind Eye
However, the reigning champion showed his quality as he shrugged off Leclerc on his way to achieve his 3rd win for the season. Meanwhile, Helmut Marko opened up on Verstappen’s stunning display in Magic City. He heaped praise on the Dutchman, as he is right back in contention for the championship.
Helmut Marko reflects on the performance of Max Verstappen
Red Bull came into Miami with momentum on their side. With Verstappen and Perez taking 1-2 in Imola and their car having a straight line pace advantage over Ferrari, they looked to close the gap to the Prancing Horse.
On to Miami, Friday’s FP2 session did not go to plan. The Dutchman complained about his steering and, as a result, his last practice on Friday ended prematurely. However, he bounced back in style on Sunday.
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NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JULY 17: Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Racing Team Consultant Dr Helmut Marko look on in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on July 17, 2021 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Reflecting on Verstappen’s performance, Marko said, “We had some problems on Friday, but Saturday was back to normal. This shows that we have a world champion in our house. We can count on him and he must also be able to deliver under difficult circumstances.”
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After the performance in Miami, Verstappen further closed the gap to Leclerc to 19 points. The Austrian is confident about the team’s ability to perform as the season progresses.
“After the race in Australia we were more than forty points behind, then I already said that it could still go in all directions. And now there are nineteen… It’s so close, a matter of which track best suits which car. It will be a fight between Max and Leclerc.”
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With consistent performances, many believe Red Bull has an advantage over Ferrari. Who will come out on top in the end? Leave your predictions in the comments.
