Jenson Button says Max Verstappen took Lewis Hamilton by surprise during Miami Grand Prix battle

Published: Friday, May 8, 2026 at 9:04 am

Button: Verstappen's Tactics Left Hamilton Puzzled in Miami Sprint

Miami, Florida - The Sprint race at the Miami Grand Prix saw a captivating battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, with former Formula 1 champion Jenson Button offering insights into the strategic nuances of their duel. Button believes Verstappen's approach left Hamilton momentarily disoriented, highlighting the unexpected nature of the Red Bull driver's tactics.

The key moment occurred when Verstappen, after initially attempting an overtake, strategically conceded the position back to Hamilton. He then executed a clean pass on the following lap, utilizing the timing to his advantage. Button observed that Verstappen's calculated move, specifically his positioning near the overtake mode line, allowed him to gain extra energy for his subsequent attack.

Button noted that Verstappen's aggressive style can be disarming, leaving drivers like Hamilton unsure of how to react in real-time. This strategic game, reminiscent of past battles, involved Verstappen seemingly inviting Hamilton to overtake, only to then capitalize on the positioning for a more advantageous move.

The race also showcased Red Bull's new "Macarena wing," a device designed to reduce drag on the straights. Martin Brundle praised the wing's aggressive design, noting its significant impact. Ferrari also introduced a similar active aero system. Red Bull claims their version was developed independently and is more efficient.

BNN's Perspective: The strategic cat-and-mouse game between Verstappen and Hamilton, as highlighted by Button, adds another layer of intrigue to Formula 1 racing. While the technical innovations, like the new aero devices, are undoubtedly important, the human element of tactical maneuvering and psychological gamesmanship continues to be a key factor in the sport's appeal.

Keywords: Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Miami Grand Prix, Sprint race, Red Bull, Macarena wing, active aero, Formula 1, racing strategy, overtaking, drag reduction, Ferrari, Martin Brundle.

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