It was already the fiftieth GP victory in Verstappen’s career. The 26-year-old Dutchman took the lead at the Circuit of the Americas halfway through the race and rode quite convincingly to victory in Texas, which attracted 432,000 spectators throughout the weekend.
Verstappen started from P6, due to the fact that he exceeded the track limits in his best lap and had to hand in his fastest time. “It’s a shame, but that makes Sunday a little more fun,” he responded laconically. After first winning the Sprint Shootout, he was never really threatened later in the day.
The British Lewis Hamilton came close to the three-time world champion in his Mercedes at the end of the race, but had to settle for second place. Lando Norris finished third in his McLaren. Sergio Pérez, Verstappen’s Mexican teammate, finished fifth.
It was Verstappen’s fifteenth win of the season and his fiftieth in total. Next week in Mexico, the three-time world champion can level with Alain Prost. In addition, Verstappen still has a chance this season to overtake Sebastian Vettel, who achieved 53 victories in his career.
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