(Montmeló) Dutchman Max Verstappen led from start to finish and won the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix on Sunday to solidify his hold atop the drivers’ championship standings.
At the wheel of his Red Bull, the reigning double world champion has never been threatened on the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit after having resisted the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz son in turn number one.
Lewis Hamilton, for Mercedes, was the second driver to cross the finish line, which allowed him to match his best performance of the season. His teammate George Russell completed the podium.
PHOTO LLUIS GENE, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
From left to right: Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and George Russell on the podium
Starting from fifth position, Quebecer Lance Stroll, on Aston Martin, finished in sixth place just ahead of his teammate Fernando Alonso.
Verstappen has now won five of the first seven races on the calendar.
Moreover, with this 40e career triumph — and his third in Barcelona — Verstappen came within one win of the late Ayrton Senna’s tally.
Verstappen is also in good position to equal Senna’s three world championship titles during his career.
Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammate and winner of the other two races this season, finished in fourth place.
Verstappen now has a 55-point lead over Perez in the drivers standings.