Reigning world champion Max Verstappen pulled off one of the greatest overtakes of the season in the 2023 F1 Miami GP. Though the Dutchman started the race in ninth place after failing to put in a flying lap in the qualifying session, he plowed through the field with his fast RB19.
On lap four, he was chasing down Kevin Magnussen, who was fighting with Charles Leclerc. Max Verstappen's RB19 was so quick with the DRS that he was able to use his excellent overtaking skills to zoom past both Ferrari and Haas drivers in turn one with the DRS. While Magnussen went past Leclerc from the outside, Verstappen quickly adjusted his car to the inside and overtook both Leclerc and Magnussen before the first turn.
This overtake was the highlight of the Miami GP. Thousands of fans were thrilled to see the three-wide situation into turn one and how the two-time world champion overtook two cars in the shortest DRS zone on the track. Even though there are loads of races left in the 2023 F1 season, many of them are already labeling this move as the overtake of the season.
"It wasn't just the power of their DRS. Max was already creeping up and then opened the DRS slightly earlier than Magnussen. It was a beautifully executed overtake."
"Max probably pulled one of the best (ever) three-wide way move. That was just outrageous, wow…Great to see the man and his machine put on a display of their prowess. Still to hit its’ peak. Well played team"
It is safe to say that the raw performance of the RB19 and the skill of Max Verstappen both worked in harmony during that overtake. The Dutchman's grit to quickly reach the top spot and the sheer pace of the RB19 have been unbeatable this season.
Max Verstappen confident with Red Bull's race pace advantage
Max Verstappen is confident of his and Red Bull's race pace on most tracks. Though the Dutchman admits that some teams and drivers can beat them at one-lap pace in certain qualifying sessions, he is confident that his team will be able to beat them in the main race. He also mentions that Red Bull is also bringing upgrades and changes to their car to constantly push the limits. He said:
"I mean, I think we have a decent advantage, especially in the race. I think over one lap in some tracks, definitely some cars will be close or in front, like you could see in Baku. But yeah, that race pace advantage, I think is quite big at the moment. But yeah, it's not like, the others are bringing new bits and we're just standing still right. So hopefully we can just keep it going like we're doing now."
The reigning world champions are far ahead of every other team and will continue to do so until and unless they face reliability issues.