Formula 1: Piastri cool in Miami

Miami. World Championship leader Oscar Piastri wasn't even fazed by the threat of lightning, winning his third consecutive Formula 1 race in Miami. After a tough battle with world champion Max Verstappen, the Australian took the lead in Florida in his McLaren and extended his lead in the drivers' standings with his sixth career victory.

"I'm very happy with the result," said Piastri, who did a little dance at the finish and kissed his girlfriend Lily. "Two years ago, we were the slowest team here, we were lapped twice," he recalled the development at McLaren. "Now we've won the race by 35 seconds."

Piastri's teammate Lando Norris secured second place one day after his sprint victory. Last year's Miami winner now sits 16 points behind the leader in the World Championship standings. "It's never the best feeling to be second," Norris admitted. "I paid the price for not working well enough today, but I'm still happy."

Just days after the birth of his daughter Lily, new father Verstappen missed the podium in the Red Bull. The pole position was only fourth behind Mercedes driver George Russell, still more than half a minute behind the leader. Kick-Sauber driver Nico Hülkenberg finished 14th and failed to score points for the fifth consecutive time.

Threatening storms forced the race authorities to issue a protocol more than two hours before the start of the race, in case the track had to be evacuated due to lightning strikes. The weather forecast ultimately didn't come true, but better safe than sorry.

In Saturday's chaotic sprint on a rain-soaked track, Fernando Alonso in his Aston Martin and Williams driver Carlos Sainz had accidents. Norris kept his cool and secured the eight points for the win.

A childlike, exuberant atmosphere prevailed at the drivers' parade. Verstappen and his team were clearly having a blast creeping around the track in Lego cars at a top speed of 20 km/h. Miami, which remains on the Formula 1 calendar until 2041, always has something to offer.

In qualifying for the Grand Prix, however, Verstappen was unbeatable. The new father narrowly relegated Norris to second place. "Being a father definitely doesn't slow me down. Anyone who says that can forget it," emphasized Verstappen, who finished only 17th in the sprint due to a time penalty.

The four-time champion mastered the 170 meters to the first corner of the race with ease, but then braked too hard. Norris thought he had a chance to overtake, but left the track in the process. The race stewards saw no reason to investigate the incident further.

Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, who had secured pole position for the sprint at just 18 years and 250 days old, took advantage of this opportunity and began to chase Verstappen.

Piastri overtook the Italian teenager and tried to dislodge the Red Bull star from the lead. But Verstappen fought back – and how! "He has to earn this," radioed the Red Bull pit to their chief pilot. Piastri had to wear out his tires and even made a braking error. This played into Verstappen's hands, but on lap 14, Piastri moved into the lead.

The world champion now had Norris in his rearview mirror. And the Englishman, who celebrated his first Formula 1 victory in Florida last year, also had to struggle. By lap 19, however, Norris had also overtaken Verstappen.

Piastri was able to drive his private race at the front and extended his lead, even though the Australian had complained after qualifying that he couldn't find his rhythm.

Verstappen had the hard tires fitted on the 27th of 57 laps. He was forced to go on the offensive. Two laps later, McLaren easily dispatched Piastri and then Norris in a double pit stop during a Virtual Safety Car. They also received the hard compounds.

Stars like Hollywood actor Michael Douglas and singer Seal watched as Piastri continued to dictate the pace. And they saw Lewis Hamilton ranting against his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc because he wanted to be let past him in the front midfield.

"Man, guys! That's not good teamwork. I'll say no more!" the Englishman fumed, before finally being able to overtake the Monegasque, only to have to swap places back shortly before the finish. Meanwhile, Piastri raced toward his next victory with little stress at the front. The Formula 1 entourage continues in Imola in two weeks.

RND/dpa