Max Verstappen delivered a commanding performance at the Canadian Grand Prix, securing his third consecutive victory and solidifying his lead in the Formula One drivers’ championship. After enduring setbacks in previous races, Verstappen bounced back to his dominant form, aided by astute strategy calls from his team. The reigning champion charged to victory, finishing 3.879 seconds ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris. Mercedes’ George Russell, who started from pole position, settled for third place, while seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton finished fourth after being overtaken by Russell in the closing laps.
Verstappen’s triumph marked his third consecutive victory at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and the 60th of his illustrious career. Starting from second on the grid, Verstappen navigated the dramatic race, which featured two Safety Car interventions, with a combination of skill and a touch of luck.
“That was a pretty crazy race and a lot of things were happening,” said Verstappen. “We had to keep on top of our calls and as a team we did really well today. We remained calm and we pitted at the right time.”
Verstappen’s success further widened his lead in the drivers’ championship standings, extending his advantage over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to 56 points. The Monegasque driver, who triumphed emotionally in his home race in Monaco two weeks prior, failed to finish in Canada.
“The safety cars worked out nicely for us this time,” added Verstappen, referring to the Miami Grand Prix where he lost his advantage, allowing Norris to claim his maiden victory. “But even after that we were managing the gaps quite well.
“I loved it. It was a lot of fun. These kind of races you need to have once in a while. The most important thing is that we won. The suspension problem is not particularly an issue. We know what it is, so we just need to work on it. We still have room to improve.”
Hamilton, who was critical of his own performance after the race, finished ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin. Local hope Lance Stroll crossed the line in seventh place for Aston Martin, followed by Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo and the two Alpines of Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon.
“A lot of fun,” said Norris, who, along with Piastri, brought McLaren their first points in Canada since 2014. “It was wild. It was chaotic. It was eventful. To be honest, I felt like I drove a good race, the whole time, from start to finish. These conditions are so stressful inside the car, but very enjoyable at the same time.”
Russell admitted to having an “ugly race,” expressing disappointment for missing out on a potential victory. “We had a fast car this weekend,” he acknowledged.
The Canadian Grand Prix witnessed a day of fluctuating weather conditions, with showers and sunshine alternating. Five cars failed to finish the race, including both Ferraris and both Williams, providing ample excitement for the enthusiastic crowd that witnessed the changing race positions and fortunes.
Verstappen’s victory propelled him to 194 points in the drivers’ championship, with Leclerc on 138 and Norris on 131. In the constructors’ race, Red Bull extended their lead to 301 points, while Ferrari remains in second place with 252 points.
