Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix: Surprise victory for Richard Verschoor

Richard Verschoor is the surprise winner of the 2019 Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix – FIA F3 World Cup at Macau Guia Circuit.

The 18-year-old Dutchman, who is driving for MP Motorsport, finished 13th in this year’s FIA Formula 3 Championship, without scoring wins or podiums, and he wasn’t among favourites in his first attempt in Macau. However, the Dutch rookie managed to convert his start from P4 to a great victory at one of the most demanding tracks on the world.

Verschoor shared a podium with Estonian Juri Vips (Hitech Grand Prix) and American Logan Sargeant (Carlin Buzz Racing). Vips started the race from pole whole Sargeant made a progress from P6 on the starting grid.

Richard Verschoor in the #21 car ar the streets of Macau

Vips defended the lead at the start, with Verschoor battling against Robert Shwartzman and Christian Lundgaard for P2. When Shwartzman and Lundgaard touched, Verschoor passed them both. The wing on Shwartzman’s car was damaged, causing a puncture and putting him out of the race.

Vips was safely leading until the first safety car intervention interrupted the race. On the restart, Verschoor used the slipstream to make a crucial move heading to Lisboa corner. There was one more virtual safety car intervention when Sophia Florsch stopped on track. Vips tried several times in the closing laps to take the lead but he was unable to find a way through.

Thirty drivers participated in the race. The last year’s winner Dan Ticktum (Carlin Buzz) finished 13th after starting from the back of the grid.