Impact The reigning world champion would quickly overtake Oscar Piastri on the opening lap and settle into P2 for the early laps of the grand prix. Piastri would get that spot back from Verstappen on lap 17 and he would settle in there until mid-race pit stops. A late race rain shower would add some drama as Lando Norris would go for a spin and Verstappen would inherit the lead for a couple laps. However, Norris would cycle back to the lead after the Red Bull star's own pitstop. Verstappen would hold off George Russell down the stretch to earn an impressive runner-up finish in the season-opener.
MARCH 16 • ROTOWIRE
