Verstappen powers from ninth on starting grid to win F1 Miami Grand Prix

ANKARA: Defending Formula One champion Max Verstappen won the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday from ninth on the starting grid, beating Red Bull teammate and pole-sitter Sergio Perez, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.

In Round 5 of the 2023 Formula 1 season held at the 5.4-kilometre (3.3-mile) Miami International Autodrome, Verstappen took the lead with 10 laps remaining to pass Perez.

The Dutch-Belgian driver fought to be victorious in the 57-lap race, finishing it in one hour, 27 minutes and 38.241 seconds.

Perez was 5.3 seconds behind Verstappen to be the runner-up in Miami.

Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso came third as he was 26.3 seconds behind the winner.

Verstappen is leading the 2023 drivers' standings with 119 points. Perez has 105 points to keep chasing his teammate.

Alonso has 75 points to be third among 20 drivers.

In the coming weeks, Formula 1 will travel to Italy as Round 6, the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, will be held on May 21.

-- BERNAMA