Verstappen holds off rival Leclerc to win the Miami Grand Prix

Max Verstappen held off championship rival Charles Leclerc to take victory in the inaugural Miami Grand Prix.

Verstappen looked to be on course for a comfortable victory after taking the lead from Leclerc early in the race. However, a late safety car period closed up the field and gave Leclerc an opportunity to pile on the pressure.

However, despite the best efforts of the Ferrari driver, Verstappen managed to stay ahead to take his third victory of the season and cut Leclerc’s overall lead in the standings to 19 points.

Leclerc led from pole position and instantly had Verstappen in his mirrors as he jumped ahead of Carlos Sainz at the start. It was all set up for another close battle between the two title protagonists.

The superior straight-line speed of the Red Bull soon showed, and he was able to make his move for the lead on lap nine. As he pulled ahead and managed the gap behind, he looked on course for an easy win.

The safety car arrived on track after a collision involving Lando Norris and Pierre Gasly and gave the fans an exciting race to the flag with 10 laps to go. Although the order at the front remained the same, there was action further down the field as drivers battled it out for the remaining points.

The podium was completed by Sainz, who was able to hold off the challenge of Red Bull’s Sergio Perez.