P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen rebounded from a surprisingly subdued showing in qualifying to dominate the first F1 Sprint of the year after passing Lewis Hamilton for the lead with 10 laps to go. Hamilton snatche…
Max Verstappen rebounded from a subdued qualifying performance to dominate the first F1 Sprint of the year, passing Lewis Hamilton with 10 laps to go. Hamilton took the lead from Lando Norris at the start, with Norris sliding down to seventh after losing grip. Verstappen briefly fought for third place with Carlos Sainz but later improved his pace after battery issues. Verstappen eventually passed Hamilton for the lead and secured a 13-second victory. Hamilton settled for second place, his best Sprint finish since the United States Grand Prix. Sergio Perez also showed strong pace but was held up by Sainz, who eventually overtook Alonso for third place after a tense battle. Alonso later suffered a puncture, while Perez managed to gap the chasing pack and secure a podium finish.
