Out came the safety car and Verstappen was dealt a five-second penalty for forcing Leclerc off the road at the first bend. Verstappen prevailed to take his 18th win from the 21 rounds so far (Nick Didlick/AP)In the other Mercedes, Russell, now ahead of Verstappen following the Dutchman’s penalty, had the Red Bull swarming in his mirrors. Verstappen threw his Red Bull underneath a surprised Russell at Turn 12 and the British driver turned into his rival as they duelled for a net third. Russell made contact with Verstappen’s Red Bull with debris falling off both of their machines. Verstappen, Leclerc and Perez were whisked away in a limousine to the front of the Bellagio Hotel to conduct their post-race interviews.

Source: The Times November 19, 2023 09:28 UTC