Max Verstappen of Red Bull survived a late-race assault from title rival Charles Leclerc’s.

Max Verstappen of Red Bull survived a late-race assault from title rival Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari to win the inaugural Miami Grand Prix.

Verstappen was cruising to an easy win after passing Leclerc early on but a late safety car brought them together for a re-start with 10 laps to go and Leclerc strained everything for five laps to get close enough to pass but Verstappen broke his challenge.

Verstappen’s win cut Leclerc’s championship lead to 19 points.

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz hung on to third for the final podium position, despite Perez having the advantage of fresh tyres after Red Bull pitted him for new medium tyres at the safety car period.

Verstappen was cruising to an easy win after passing Leclerc early on but a late safety car brought them together for a re-start with 10 laps to go and Leclerc strained everything for five laps to get close enough to pass but Verstappen broke his challenge.

Verstappen’s win cut Leclerc’s championship lead to 19 points.

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz hung on to third for the final podium position, despite Perez having the advantage of fresh tyres after Red Bull pitted him for new medium tyres at the safety car period.