F1: Verstappen takes F1 lead – Gulf Digital News

F1: Verstappen takes F1 lead – Gulf Digital News

GULFWEEKLY: Formula One world champion Max Verstappen won the Spanish Grand Prix in a Red Bull one-two on Sunday to take over at the top from Ferrari’s luckless Charles Leclerc, who retired with an engine failure while leading.

Mexican Sergio Perez finished a dutiful second, 13 seconds behind but with the consolation of a bonus point for fastest lap, after being told to let his team mate pass for a third victory in a row after Imola and Miami.

The 24-year-old Dutch driver is now six points clear of Leclerc after winning four of six races -- all those he has finished.

“A difficult beginning, but a good end,” was how Verstappen summed up a baking afternoon in which he was blown into the gravel by a sudden gust of wind and wrestled with a malfunctioning rear wing.

Britain’s George Russell came third for a revived Mercedes, after going wheel-to-wheel with Verstappen early on in a thrilling display of defensive driving as they battled for second place behind Leclerc.

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was fourth, after fighting back from a slow start and a spin into the gravel, but it was scant reward for a team who had brought upgrades to try and turn the tables