F1 GP USA 2023 photos: Sprint highlights

Everything seemed ready for the scene. Anyway, qualifying signaled a thrilling 19-lap sprint race in the USA. The opposite happened in the race. Max Verstappen does not dominate on a single lap, but in a similar style as usual over the distance. The Red Bull star dismantled the competition. A lead of 9.4 seconds over just 104 kilometers is a lot.

Things only became difficult at first. Charles Leclerc almost passed Red Bull. Monegasse saw a small gap which Verstappen closed. And without batting an eyelid. Leclerc saw this as a difficult but still justified maneuver.

Piastri becomes easy prey

Lewis Hamilton also tried his hand at Red Bull, and the record Formula 1 winner also bounced back from Verstappen’s fort. Despite the DRS, the Mercedes never got close enough to the No. 1 car. Furthermore, Hamilton put more pressure on the tyres. They struggled, which helped Verstappen retire after a third of the race.

So the Sprint wasn’t a race you’ll remember for long. It was too monotonous for that. At least a few duels stimulated business. Friends Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz have swapped positions twice. In the end, the McLaren driver prevailed over the Spaniard in a Ferrari.

Oscar Piastri became a victim and did not know why. The Australian had no explanation for his lack of speed. Sergio Perez has died. George Russell did the same thing, but he went too far. The punishment came immediately. Pierre Gasly and Alexander Albon also sniffed out the helpless McLaren.

19 drivers started on medium tyres. 19 pilots saw the checkered flag. Only one was stranded prematurely. As happened on Friday, Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin suffered brake problems. His teammate Fernando Alonso managed to qualify without a position, but 13th is the next big disappointment. Accordingly, his expression turned stony after the failed race.

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