Max Verstappen claims inaugural Miami Grand Prix title

Verstappen came away with the victory against Charles Leclerc of Ferrari

Sunday's inaugural Miami Grand Prix Formula One race in Miami Gardens, Fla., lived up to its billing as a heavyweight battle between the series' two points leaders — Charles Leclerc of Ferrari and Max Verstappen of Red Bull.

Verstappen came away with the victory, the second in a row and third of the year for the 2021 F1 drivers' champion. His earlier wins had come in Saudi Arabia and Italy.

Leclerc, who led the championship by 27 points at the start of Sunday, had won in the season-opener in Bahrain and Race 3 in Australia. He finished second on Sunday, 3.7 seconds behind Verstappen.

Carlos Sainz finished third in his Ferrari while Sergio Perez was fourth for Red Bull.

Fifth was George Russell in a Mercedes. He was followed by teammate and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.

"It was an incredible grand prix," Verstappen said. "Very physical as well. I think we kept it exciting until the end. It was an incredible Sunday for us."

Verstappen had started the race alongside teammate Perez in the second row, behind the Ferraris of pole-sitter Leclerc and Sainz.