10 things we learned from the 2022 Miami Grand Prix

Max Verstappen leapfrogged polesitter Charles Leclerc and covered off a late charge from the Ferrari driver to land victory in the inaugural Miami Grand Prix, one of the most anticipated Formula 1 races of all time.

The defending champion made light work of Carlos Sainz at the start of the 57-lap contest and then swiftly deposed Leclerc in his bid to overturn the points deficit, even though the jeopardy of a late safety car meant Verstappen did have to cover off a rising threat late on. But with the Red Bull driver ultimately triumphing by close to 3.8 seconds, it ends the early trend of the 2022 season in which Verstappen and Leclerc had taken it in turns to win.

Following his Imola success, Verstappen snared back-to-back victories – witnessed by the many celebrities in attendance – in fine style to stand atop a spectacular podium in the shadow of the Hard Rock Stadium. That leaves Ferrari needing to find a response to the ever-growing strength of the RB18 (even if it’s still unreliable) as it seeks to end the Maranello title drought.

Elsewhere, Alexander Albon’s dyed hair brought yet more prosperity as the Williams driver snared another remarkable points finish, plus George Russell maintained his hot streak of top-five finishes by prevailing over Lewis Hamilton.

Here are 10 things we learned from the 2022 Miami Grand Prix.

1. As expected, Miami was a blockbuster event…

The trackside gates were opened to allow the capacity 80,000 crowd to pour towards the podium, a la Silverstone and Monza. Meanwhile, the top-three finishers were escorted underneath the Hard Rock Stadium by a two-bike police escort, sirens blaring and lights flashing. Three Pirelli-branded American football helmets were prepped for their arrival. All in all, the eventual podium ceremony was quite a celebratory centrepiece.

Even if…