Max Verstappen makes rain or shine in F1. Author of pole position on his Red Bull in the rain on Saturday, the young Dutchman, 24, won the race under the sun this Sunday, signing his first success on the Canadian circuit, his 6th of the season and the 26th in his career. , at only 24 years old.
The best resistance to Verstappen was that offered by Carlos Sainz Jr (Ferrari), 27, still looking for his first Grand Prix, and for whom this one has not yet been the right one. But during the last 13 laps however, the Spaniard can boast of having maintained the threat on the Dutchman.
“Overall it was difficult until the end, even with fresh tires because the Ferraris were fast in the race, and Carlos had newer tires than mine,” said Verstappen. I’m happy with this win…”
“I gave everything, tried everything to overtake Max but I lacked a bit of rhythm to close the gap, confided Sain Jr. I’m happy with my race nevertheless, with the pressure I put on Max. We were very close. We have to take the positive and try in the next races.”
Away from the fight for victory but well wedged in ambush, Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) came to complete the Quebec podium, his first since Bahrain, the first GP of the season.
“It’s heartwarming to get this 3rd place here,” said Hamilton, the Canadians’ No. 1 on the applause meter. We continue to give everything to get closer and be in the fight with these guys…”
In the drivers’ standings, the Dutch outgoing champion and current leader of the world championship, widens the gap further on his pursuers, after nine of the 23 lifts on the calendar.
Now 2nd at 46 points from Verstappen, Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s Mexican teammate, recorded a zero point, because he was forced to retire on the 8th lap due to a faulty gearbox.
As for Charles Leclerc, 3rd in the standings at 49 points, relegated by regulation to the back of the grid (for having used a fourth new engine, when three are authorized), he made a heroic comeback, despite the handicap of a stop at the tricky stand. In the end, he signed a meritorious 5th place, ahead of the Alpines of Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso, respectively 6th and 7th. Further on, Pierre Gasly (Alpha Tauri) took 14th place in Montreal. In 15 days, Formula 1 returns to Europe with the British Grand Prix, Silverstone on July 3.
