Dutchman Max Verstappen won the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday after an important race in which Charles Leclerc, who had been betrayed by his Ferrari, had to give up when he was in the lead.
Max Verstappen could not have asked for more. He dropped Charles Leclerc, far from pole position, at the start of the race after leaving the track on the 4th lap due to an unpleasant gust of wind.
However, the Monegasque Ferrari engine failed on the 20th lap. Without notice.
I lost engine power, and from there I had to stop. That way, it happens, since the beginning of the year we have had no problemsLeclerc’s reaction to the paddock.
It hurts, but there are still a lot of positives, we solved the tire damage problems, he said, this is really the answer we were looking for.
Struggling with a DRS (intermittent) problem, Verstappen had to fight Mercedes-Benz driver George Russell. The fight was very good on the 24th lap.
The Dutchman led the race on lap 38 when his teammate stopped.
The Red Bull team controlled the race, and after one final pit stop, Pérez let Verstappen pass on lap 49 to give him the win.
We didn’t have an easy start to the race, but after that everything fell into place, Verstappen said. Great team effort, and thanks to Sergio (Pérez), he is a great teammate.
Verstappen claimed the 24th victory of his F1 career and fourth this season, following victories in Saudi Arabia, Italy (Emilia Romagna), Italy and Miami.
George Russell was also rewarded for his efforts, he graduated 3rd. His second podium of the season.
Notice the 5th place of his teammate Lewis Hamilton, who had to climb the entire peloton after a hole in the first lap (hit by Kevin Magnussen) and a forced pit stop.
After a few laps, he wanted to retire, with no point fighting for points, but his team told him to stay on track. Good decision from Mercedes-Benz, who scored big points in Barcelona.
Lance Stroll also had an eventful race, including a collision with Pierre Gasly’s Alpha Tauri on the 20th lap.
Quebecer finished the race in 15th place, ahead of his compatriot Nicholas Latifi (16th) who did not deserve Williams.
Source: Radio-Canada
