Max Verstappen just having ‘fun’ at Austin sprint race
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Red Bull's Max Verstappen celebrates after winning the sprint race at the United States Grand Prix.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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AUSTIN – Newly crowned Formula One world champion Max Vertappen
The Dutchman led unchallenged from pole position to the chequered flag to finish 9.465 seconds clear of revitalised seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes. Charles Leclerc came home third for Ferrari, 17.987sec adrift.
Sunday’s main race in Texas, in which Verstappen will start from sixth on the grid after having his best qualifying lap deleted for exceeding track limits, took place after press time.
Nevertheless, he still won his third sprint race comfortably in a season he has totally dominated.
“It was fun,” said Verstappen. “It was quite close at the first turn, but there was enough space and after that I ran my own race and controlled the pace.
“We had great race pace today which I will need tomorrow when I start from P6. There should be some passing to do and I hope to have some fun. Of course, we want to win.”
Lando Norris maintained McLaren’s much-improved form by taking a strong fourth place ahead of Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull and Carlos Sainz in the second Ferrari. Norris was less than a second behind Leclerc at the finish.
George Russell finished seventh in the second Mercedes, but he was relegated to eighth after taking a five-second penalty, thus elevating Pierre Gasly of Alpine to seventh.
Hamilton said he was happy to be on the podium.
“I had a nice battle with Charles and tried to close on Max, but their pace is undeniable at the moment. He (Verstappen) was just cruising. It was impressive to watch.” he said.
“We are getting closer, but there is a long way to go. We’ve still got a long way to be able to find the pace that he was doing throughout the race, but nonetheless I’m really happy to be back on the podium.”
After Friday’s exceptional late October heatwave, it was slightly cooler on Saturday with an air temperature of 33 deg C and a track temperature of 37 deg C as Verstappen pulled clear at the start.
The champion remained unchallenged and was able to enjoy a cruise to the flag as Hamilton and Leclerc settled for second and third, in a contest that offered little true spectacle for a big crowd at the Circuit of the Americas. AFP
