Dutchman Max Verstappen Triumphs at Spanish Grand Prix, Increases Lead in F1 World Championship Rankings

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For the 25-year-old Verstappen, it was the third victory in a row, the fifth of the season and the jubilee 40th in his career. Even at the seventh event of the season, the Red Bull driver triumphed, since, apart from Verstappen, only his teammate Sergio Perez has enjoyed a victory in the course of the season so far.

He is still on the 2nd place in the interim ranking of the championship, he finished in 4th place in Spain. For the first time in the season, the Spaniard Fernando Alonso, who took 7th place in the home race, did not make it to the top four. For Hamilton, the race in Barcelona meant the second podium of the season, for Russell the first.

Leclerc and Sargeant started from the pits after changing several components in their cars. Verstappen entered the race from the most advantageous position, securing his fourth pole position of the season in the opening meters.

Sainz, who was next to him on the front row, showed speed before the first corner, but the Dutchman was in it earlier. Norris started from the third row, in the first lap he damaged his front end after contact with Hamilton, and after an unplanned pit stop, he fell to the end of the starting field.

Sainz and Stroll lined up behind Verstappen, who increased his lead from the start. However, the Canadian lost the battle with Hamilton in the eighth round, who moved to 3rd place. In the 12th lap, Hülkenberg caught the eye, as he got over Chou and Cunoda at the same time with an elegant slalom.

Russell (12th) and Perez (11th) showed a significant shift from the starting positions. The Brit gradually came within reach of the podium, just like his teammate Hamilton.

He overtook Sainz on the 28th lap and took 2nd place behind Verstappen, who at that time had a lead of over 10 seconds. Russell soon passed Sainz and the Mercedes lined up behind Verstappen.

This order at the top did not change until the end of the race. The Dutchman was not too disturbed by the black and white flag for violating track limits, which meant the threat of a five-second penalty. Cunoda, who was punished by the track marshals for his fight with Chou, did not avoid it. Verstappen finally got full points, as he also set the fastest lap.

The next race of the F1 series is scheduled for Sunday, June 18. The Canadian Grand Prix will take place at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

votes (source: Sport 2):

Max Verstappen, winner: “It’s a pleasure to drive such a single-seater. We went into today’s race with several tire strategies. It looks like we decided on the right one.”

Lewis Hamilton, 2nd place: “I thank the whole team and the mechanics at the factory for the work they are doing for us. It looks like Red Bull is very fast for us at the moment, but maybe we can match him at the end of the season. And if not then, then maybe next. I have still motivation, I always go all out.”

George Russell, 3rd place: “I think we can be satisfied. Thanks to the team for a great car. I was surprised how high I got today.”