Mad Max takes the streets of Miami and wins the F1 Grand Prix

Max Verstappen won the inaugural Formula 1 Grand Prix in Miami after driving wildly to overtake Charles Leclerc and hold off the Ferrari following the safety car that sealed the fate of the first-ever World Championship race in Florida. Formula 1's arrival in Miami was marked by protests from neighbors over the noise of the single-seaters on the street circuit near the Hard Rock Stadium, but when the checkered flag waved on the hot Floridian afternoon, Red Bull driver "Mad Max" Verstappen proved a worthy winner of the thrilling race.

British superstar Lewis Hamilton seemed to be a rival for "Mad Max." He started and finished sixth, further proof that his Mercedes is out of the title race despite his great skill as a driver. 

This season's title contender is Leclerc, who finished second. Verstappen, Leclerc, and Spaniard Carlos Sainz stood at the podium after the winner held Leclerc's breath following Lando Norris' accident that forced out the safety car. Mexico's Sergio "Checo" Perez was unable to get on the podium despite a great race with his Red Bull and finished fourth.

Clinical from Verstappen 💪#MiamiGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/HkwmfHQlA2

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 8, 2022

After a brilliant defensive drive in the closing stages in the face of the Ferraris' push, Verstappen celebrated his third win in five races, defending his title. He was presented with his trophy by Dolphins legend Dan Marino. For the organizers of Formula 1, it was a success they had been dreaming of for so long: the conquest of the U.S. market.

We've had some stardust sprinkled over us today! 🤩#MiamiGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/sHksUA3dc4

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 8, 2022

As the drivers walked through the paddock, celebrities such as NFL star Tom Brady, the Williams sisters of tennis, singer Maluma, rapper Pharrell Williams, NBA legend Michael Jordan, soccer player David Beckham, and socialite Paris Hilton appeared on the scene. The list was endless. While Europe will remain the heart and soul of Formula 1, but Miami 2022 was a glimpse into a fun future.

The gap between Leclerc and Verstappen narrows to 19 points 👀#MiamiGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/cAOpdLDyWY

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 8, 2022

"It was an amazing Grand Prix," Verstappen said after reducing his deficit to Leclerc to 19 points. "Very physical, but I think we kept it exciting until the end." F1 returns to the United States for the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin on October 23 and next year with the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the third of the U.S. trio to host F1 in the near future.