Verstappen Recovers from Lap 1 Spin to P5 in Miami GP

Max Verstappen turned a dramatic opening-lap spin into a memorable recovery at the Miami Grand Prix, finishing fifth after starting from the front row at the Miami International Autodrome.

The four-time world champion qualified second, just 0.166 seconds behind polesitter Kimi Antonelli, signaling progress for Red Bull's upgraded RB22 car after struggling earlier in the season. The race began with chaos for Verstappen at Turn 2, where he lost the rear while battling Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Instead of crashing, he executed a full 360-degree spin, accelerating through the rotation to minimize time loss and rejoin safely amid the pack.

"I lost the rear in Turn 2 and then of course I tried to minimise the time loss by doing a 360," Verstappen said afterward. "I thought I was going to crash, but then I floored it, so I managed to do a good 360. If F1 doesn't work out, I can always go rally."

Verstappen denied any contact with Leclerc caused the incident. "We just pushed into the corner, but yeah, just lost something. The rear just started to slide. And once it goes, with heavy fuel, it's hard to catch," he explained. He rejoined in ninth place, then dropped further after an early...