The 2023 Formula One season has just two more races to go, but the winner is already out of question. Driver Max Verstappen currently holds a 276 point lead as the top driver in the league, while second place is teammate Sergio Perez. As Verstappen is only weeks away from victory, his greatness has had many steps throughout time.
One of those steps has been at one of the league’s newest additions, which Verstappen has won twice. The inaugural Miami Grand Prix took place in May of 2022, and is slated to occur for the next ten years. Each has taken place in the month of May, and again, has seen Verstappen take the gold.
Here are some of the best moments from those two races over the past couple years:
2022:
- Verstappen’s Quick Race to the Front
It was questionable how Max Verstappen’s RB18 was going to race, as struggles were made apparent during practice sessions. Those questions of problems throughout the race were washed completely away after he powered his way off the line. Beginning the race in third, he had passed second-place Carlos Sainz Jr. within one turn and one corner.
Still trailing leader Charles Leclerc, Verstappen showed off his skills of patience in true fashion. It wasn’t until lap eight where a straight away allowed hum to enable his DRS and close in on the only man ahead of him. At first, he was unable to complete turn 17 perfectly, but was able to activate DRS again while crossing the line to begin lap nine, and take control of the lead. Three laps later, he already had a 2.5 seconds lead.
2. Red Bull Racing Gets it Done Again
Formula One is known for its insanely fast pit crew stops, the likes of which set new records each year. For Verstappen’s team, he was able to get out of there in just 2.4 seconds during the 26th lap of the race. His crew broke its previous record of 2.7 seconds set at the Australian Grand Prix earlier that season.
Both of these times served as the fastest of each race, and the fastest of the season up to that point. Red Bull would eventually win the title of the fastest pit stop team of the season.
3. Cementing a Name in History
Verstappen became the first winner of the Miami Grand Prix in its inaugural event, writing his name in the history books. With the victory, he increased his already impressive resume to 23 career wins, 63 podium positions, and he earned the fastest lap of the race for the 18th time. As the race is scheduled to take place through 2031, he adds his name to the list of elite first winners in some of the world’s biggest races.
The victory helped Verstappen achieve a step towards his second consecutive Formula One title in November of 2022. A weekend filled with fun activities, celebrity appearances, and ultimately a race to remember was capped off by Verstappen proving his greatness once again. Even with Verstappen’s pole position, the Ferrari team may have ended the day with the best contention, seeing drivers Leclerc and Sainz Jr. place second and third respectively.
2023:
- So Many Celebrities
Multiple celebrities roamed the surface grounds of the race track in preparation of its start, and excitement was surely on the menu. The 2023 Miami Grand Prix saw the likes of celebrities such as Roger Federer, Jeff Bezos, J. Balvin, and Elon Musk. Many more stars attended, while a variety of events were held for them and the people in attendance.
Events ranged from roller-skating to live music, and even free cocktails. All of these events combined included some sort of Miami splash about them, allowing fans and stars to feel welcomed amongst the luxurious life of the beach city.
2. Verstappen Wins Again
After beginning the race in ninth place, Verstappen had some climbing to face throughout the next 57 laps he was to race. Teammate Sergio Perez held pole position for most of the race, but it remained back and forth between the two. After a pit stop was taken by Perez in the later stages, Verstappen advanced past him, claiming his third victory of the season.
The Dutchman proved that even with a poor qualifying effort, he was able to climb his way into first. Verstappen currently has 17 wins this season, playing detrimental to his large lead in the standings. With this, he smashes the record of most wins in a season and may be the most dominant driver of all time.
