Verstappen jokes about rally future after dramatic Miami recovery drive

Max Verstappen experienced one of the most eventful races of the season in Miami, combining a costly early error with an impressive recovery through the field.

Starting from the front row, the Dutchman immediately lost ground after spinning at Turn 2, dropping into the midfield. While the mistake compromised his race, it could have ended far worse, as Verstappen managed to avoid contact and continue.

From there, the four-time world champion began a determined charge back through the pack. His progress was aided by a safety car period, triggered after debris was left on track following an incident involving his team-mate’s RB22 and Pierre Gasly’s Alpine, which had been hit by Liam Lawson in the opening laps.

Despite the setback, Verstappen approached the situation with humour when speaking after the race.

"If Formula 1 doesn’t work out, I can always go rally," said Verstappen, as quoted by GPBlog.com.

He then explained how the spin unfolded and why he chose an unusual way to handle it.

"I lost the rear in Turn 2 and then, of course, I tried to minimize the time loss by doing a 360. I thought I was gonna crash, but then I floored it, so I managed to do a good 360."

The moment summed up Verstappen’s race, chaotic at times, but ultimately controlled, as he limited the damage and salvaged a solid result from a difficult opening lap.