Max Verstappen won a captivating Las Vegas Grand Prix – a race of twists and turns, crashes, courage and mistakes that lived up to its hot billing on the Strip. As for Verstappen, he started second on the grid and wasted no time or energy in pushing pole-man Leclerc so far wide the Ferrari man was almost in the Harbor Island Apartments on the outside of the left hander. Verstappen refused to concede he had erred, arguing over his radio that he was in front. Actually, Leclerc was flying, and passed Verstappen just before the first round of stops Could a surprise winner be on the cards? They are all surprises if Verstappen’s name does not lead the rest. Before the customary conclusion, Verstappen tangled with Russell at Turn 12 – the bend into the Las Vegas Boulevard. Russell was at fault as Verstappen pushed his claims with his usual gusto down the inside, a bravura act. Verstappen isn’t but the world champion was two seconds ahead of Leclerc by then.

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