F1: Verstappen wins Canadian Grand Prix

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Defending World Champion Max Verstappen took the lead from pole and held it all the way to win the Canadian GP Formula 1 race in Montreal from Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton.

Verstappen was never threatened as he opened up a comfortable gap at the front in his Red Bull Honda and then controlled it to save his tires and engine to win by over 9 seconds.

“It was not a straightforward race, the tires were not getting in their window and we were sliding around a bit. But to win today, to win the 100th Grand Prix for the team is incredible. I never expected to be on these kind of numbers myself.”

Hamilton initially took 2nd place from Alonso at the start, but Alonso out dueled him and took the spot back from his former McLaren teammate.

“We were hoping to challenge a little more the Red Bull, but we lost a place at the start and it was a battle with the Mercedes,” said Alonso. “Lewis was pushing all the race, I didn’t have a single lap I could relax. At the end, Lewis had more pace, it was a tough race. It was 70 laps of qualifying today.”

It was Verstappen’s 6th race win of the year out of 8 races, and the 41st F1 win of his career, tying him with the great Ayrton Senna, as he stretches his point lead over Sergio Perez 195 to 126 points (a 69 point gap that was 53 when the race began).

It was the 100th win for the Red Bull team, only the 5th team to ever reach the century mark. All smiles from Verstappen as the anthems play out, with his team watching on below. Christian Horner looked like a proud Dad down there, which is apt considering it is Father’s Day for much of the world.

“It’s been a great weekend for us – we are slowly chipping away,” said Hamilton.

“The Astons moved away with their upgrades, but we are bringing some more soon. We knew this wouldn’t be our strongest circuit, we struggle on the low speed corners.

“We need to add rear downforce to the car, but I do believe we will get there at some stage. It’s quite an honor to be up there with two world champions.”

The Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. rounded out the top-5.

Sergio Perez pitted late for soft tires and set the fastest lap and took the point away from Hamilton on the final lap on his drive from 17th to 6th.

George Russell retired from the race after clouting the wall exiting Turn 9 and breaking his wheel. He returned to the race but later retired.

More to follow….

Race Results – 70 Laps