Red Bull driver Max Verstappen waves to the fans after winning the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix on May 8, 2022 at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Florida. Photo: VCG

World champion Max Verstappen resisted a late attack from series leader Charles Leclerc of Ferrari to claim an accomplished victory for Red Bull in sweltering conditions at the inaugural Miami Grand Prix on Sunday.

In a physically exhausting race for the drivers and teams at the Miami International Autodrome, the 24-year-old Dutchman produced a mature performance to make the most of superior straight line speed in a largely processional race until a late Safety Car intervention.

His second win in succession and third of the season enabled him to trim Leclerc's advantage to 19 points in the drivers' championship. Leclerc has 104 and Verstappen 85. It was the 23rd win of the Dutchman's career.

"It was an incredible Grand Prix, very physical as well, but I think we kept it exciting until the end," said Verstappen, interviewed by retired American driver Willy T. Ribbs after the race.

When Ribbs suggested he looked ready to "get into a boxing ring," Verstappen retorted, "I think I'll stick to racing, but I appreciate boxing a lot. It felt a bit like that out there in terms of how we feel now.

"I'm incredibly happy with winning here in Miami and it was an incredible Sunday for us."

Leclerc said he felt that the Red Bull was clearly a faster car than his Ferrari in a hot and punishing race.

"It was such a difficult race, physically," said Leclerc. "We struggled quite a bit with the medium tires, especially in the first stint, and was overtaken there. That made our race a bit more difficult from that moment onwards."

Verstappen came home 3.786 seconds ahead of Leclerc with Carlos Sainz third in the second Ferrari after holding off a late charge from Sergio Perez. George Russell finished fifth ­after recovering from 15th on the opening lap to come home ahead of Mercedes teammate, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton caused another stir ahead of Sunday's Miami Grand Prix when he arrived in the paddock wearing a dazzling outfit, combining a pink T-shirt and trousers with giant purple sunglasses.

It was a clear statement of individuality after his argument with ruling body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA), over their ban on bling and his bid to help champions Mercedes kick-start their flagging title defense.

The seven-time champion was also sporting a dazzling gold watch, 24 hours after qualifying sixth on the grid and meeting with former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama.

His participation in the keenly anticipated inaugural event at the Miami International Autodrome had been in doubt on Friday when he said he would refuse to remove a nose stud and earrings.

The FIA had issued a scrutineers' note requesting teams confirm their drivers would remove all jewelry and conform to rules on fireproof underwear.

His threat to boycott the race was headed off after talks with FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem and a meeting with medical commission president Dr Sean Petherbridge.

Hamilton, 37, agreed to the removal of his earrings and was given a two-race medical exemption for his nose stud because it could not be taken out easily. But late on Saturday, after qualifying, he said again that he did not intend to remove his nose stud after the Monaco Grand Prix on May 29.

"I'm not going to do it," he told reporters. "I got an exemption here and I will get them for the rest of the year. Wedding rings are allowed. I will wear four watches next time!"

The bling ban has been enforced this season by new F1 race director Niels Wittich, citing safety requirements, particularly if a car catches fire.