Max Verstappen wins back-to-back Canadian Grand Prix

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen led from start to finish and took victory in the Canadian Grand Prix for the second year in a row on Sunday.

The two-time reigning world champion held off the competition for over 70 laps at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton finished second and third to complete the podium.

Verstappen has won four races in a row this season and six of eight overall.

The 25-year-old Dutch driver now leads the Formula 1 drivers’ standings with 195 points. Teammate Sergio Perez was sixth on Sunday, missing out on the podium for a third race in a row.

It is Verstappen’s 41st career win, tying him with the late Brazilian great Ayrton Senna for fifth all-time.

Red Bull remained perfect with eight wins in eight races this season and extended their already significant lead in the constructors’ standings.

Alonso, a 41-year-old veteran, earned his sixth podium this season to build on what has been a resurgent season.

“He’s a real racer, he’s a beast. If you ask me one driver I’d like to see win a race here, it’s Fernando,” said Verstappen earlier this week.

Alonso and Hamilton dueled throughout the race.

Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, blasted past two-time champion Alonso into the first corner to move up to P2. Alonso then retook his position on lap 22 with an overtake at the final chicane.

Mercedes were looking for a second successive strong grand prix after Hamilton and teammate George Russell took the podium in Spain earlier this month.

However, Russell was forced to retire early after hitting the wall in 12 laps and damaging the right side of his car. He continued until lap 55, but retired due to brake problems.

Montreal’s Lance Stroll, Canada’s only F1 driver, started 16th and finished ninth, matching his best finish at home.

The 24-year-old Aston Martin driver has yet to reach the podium this season, despite his team-mate Alonso being a consistent top-three finisher.

Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll of Canada waves to fans during the drivers’ parade ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, Sunday, June 18, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz started the race in 10th and 11th after some missteps during Saturday’s qualifying session, but moved up to fourth and fifth.

Williams’ Alex Albon was seventh and Alpine’s Estaban Ocon was eighth.

The track remained dry throughout the race under a mix of sun and clouds after showers affected Friday and Saturday practice and qualifying sessions.

After missing two years due to COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021, the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix will return to Montreal for the third consecutive year. The circuit is under contract with Formula 1 until 2031.

Then the series moves across the pond for the Austrian Grand Prix on July 2.

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on June 18, 2023.