Formula 1: Despite the severe weather warning: Piatri in Miami very cool

WM leader Oscar Piatri was not even upset by a threat of lightning stroke and has won his third Formula 1 race one after the other in Miami. After a tough duel with world champion Max Verstappen, the Australian in the McLaren took the lead in Florida and expanded his lead in the driver classification with the sixth career victory.

“I am very happy with the result,” said Piatri, who at the finish a small dance performance ventured and girlfriend Lily put on a kiss. “Two years ago we were the slowest team here, we were rounded twice,” he recalled the development of McLaren. “Now we have won the race with a 35 second lead.”

Piatris Stallrival Lando Norris secured second place one day after his sprint success. In the World Cup ranking, the previous year’s winner of Miami is now 16 points behind the top man. “It is never the best feeling to be second,” admitted Norris. “I paid the price for not working well enough today, but I’m still happy.”

Young father Verstappen missed the podium a few days after the birth of daughter Lily in the Red Bull. The pole man was only fourth behind Mercedes driver George Russell with more than half a minute behind. Kick-Sauber pilot Nico Hülkenberg remained without points for the fifth time in a row.

The regulatory authority forced the threatening storm to publish a protocol more than two hours before the start of the race should the route to be evacuated due to lightning strikes. The weather forecast did not occur in the end, but it is certain after all.

In Lego cars on the driver parade

In the chaos sprint on Saturday on the rainwear route, Fernando Alonso in Aston Martin and Williams driver Carlos Sainz still had accidents. Norris had remained very cool and secured the eight points for victory.

There was a childish and exhausted atmosphere on the driver’s parade. Verstappen & Co. obviously had a lot of fun to sneak in Lego cars with a top speed of 20 km/h. Miami, which remains in the Formula 1 calendar until 2041, always has something to offer.

In the qualification for the Grand Prix, however, Verstappen could not be beat. The freshly baked father referred to second place. “Being a father does not make me slower. Anyone who claims something like that can stroke,” emphasized Verstappen, who had only become 17th in the sprint due to a time penalty.

The four -time champion in the race mastered the 170 meters to the first curve confidently. Norris thought his chance to overtake, but left the route. The racing commissioners saw no reason to further investigate the incident.

“He has to earn it”

Mercedes newcomer Kimi Antonelli used this opportunity, who had secured the poles for the sprint at just 18 years and 250 days, and recorded the persecution on Verstappen.

However, Piatri overtook the Italian teenager and also wanted to push the Red Bull star from the top. But Verstappen defended himself – and how! “He has to earn it,” the Red Bull Box sparked on her boss pilot. Piatri had to strain his tires and even slow down. This played Verstappen in the cards, but in round 14 Piatri took the lead.

The world champion now had Norris in the rearview mirror. And the Englishman, who had celebrated his Formula 1 premiere victory in Florida last year, also had to struggle. In round 19, however, Norris was also past Verstappen.

Piatri was able to ride his private race at the top and expanded the lead. Even though the Australian had sued to be able to find his rhythm.

Hamilton stitched at Ferrari

The hard tires could be opened in the 27th out of 57 rounds. He had to go on the offensive. McLaren made two rounds on the same time during a virtual safety car in a double stop first Piatri and then Norris. They also got the hard mixtures.

Stars like Hollywood actor Michael Douglas or singer Seal looked at how Piatri continued to dictate the pace. And they saw how Lewis Hamilton stabbed his Ferrari stable rival Charles Leclerc because he wanted to be left in the front midfield.

“People, people! This is no longer a good teamwork. I don’t say anymore!”, The Englishmaker got upset before he was allowed to overtake the Monegassen, but had to exchange the place again shortly before the end. Meanwhile, Piatri at the top raced largely without stress. In two weeks, the Formula 1 Tross in Imola continues.