'This isn't looking too good': F1 drivers scratching heads after another Maxterclass in Miami

Max Verstappen proved his detractors wrong by wringing the neck on his Red Bull Formula 1 car, sealing victory in the 2023 Miami Grand Prix after starting in ninth place.

The Dutchman initially thought that securing second place behind teammate Sergio Perez would be the best result on race day, but it soon became apparent that a win was possible.

By Lap 15, Verstappen had passed Fernando Alonso for second place, and on Lap 20, when Perez pitted for fresh tyres, he inherited the lead. From there, it was a gradual process to eke out a time advantage that could benefit him when he'd eventually pit.

It worked, but it left the defending champion's on-track rivals scratching their heads.

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"Max had a tremendous race and deserved to win. I am really happy for him," Perez said.

"When I saw how strong Max was coming through the field and I was struggling a bit, I thought 'this isn't looking too good'. This (race) is one to learn from because, clearly, Max had the fastest pace.

"I think the performance Max showed was not reachable for me, so I have to understand why."

'Nothing I could do'

Alonso, who switched to Aston Martin from Alpine for 2023, had an excellent start to the year. The Spaniard has finished third in four of the season's opening five races, including Miami, and again takes plenty of positives from the race around the Hard Rock Stadium.

Aston Martin has the second-quickest car this year, but still lags behind Red Bull. Regardless, Alonso keeps his hopes high for a possible win this year, but he admits that achieving it may be challenging.

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