CNN
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Max Verstappen held off the problem of Carlos Sainz to triumph on the Canadian Grand Prix for the primary time in his profession on Sunday, additional extending his lead atop the Method One drivers’ championship.
The reigning world champion prevailed in a nail-biting end-of-race struggle with the Ferrari driver to safe his sixth win of the season and his second in a row after claiming a victory in Azerbaijan.
The victory strikes him 46 factors clear within the championship forward of Purple Bull teammate Sergio Perez, whose early retirement as a result of a mechanical failure offered a blemish on the group’s sixth consecutive race win.
Having surged right into a commanding lead from pole, it had appeared set to be yet one more snug weekend for the Purple Bull driver earlier than AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda hit the wall on his exit from the pits on lap 49.
With the sector bunched upon the exit of the security automobile six laps later, an enthralling battle between Verstappen and Sainz ensued, the hole at simply over half a second heading into the ultimate lap.
But the Dutchman held his nerve to maintain the Spaniard at bay, showcasing his defensive ability regardless of his desire for attacking.
“It was actually thrilling on the finish. I used to be giving it every part I had and naturally Carlos was doing the identical,” Verstappen stated.
“He was pushing, charging, pushing, charging – naturally whenever you’re on the DRS it’s simpler to cost. The previous few laps had been lots of enjoyable.
“I believe I’d have most well-liked attacking as a substitute of defending however fortunately it labored out.”
After a nightmare double DNF in Azerbaijan, Sainz spearheaded a Ferrari bounce-back that noticed Charles Leclerc cap a formidable restoration drive with a fifth-place end.
Ranging from the again of the grid following additional engine adjustments, Leclerc powered via the sector to shut the hole on Perez to a few factors within the drivers’ championship.
Lewis Hamilton capped one other sturdy weekend for Mercedes together with his first podium end because the opening race of the season in Bahrain, with teammate George Russell following him house to safe a second straight third-fourth end for his group.
Severe again ache – heightened by automobile instability – in Azerbaijan final week offered one other problem in what has been a tough season for Hamilton, so accustomed to competing on the high finish of the championship.
Nevertheless, the seven-time world champion believes his group are headed in the suitable route to shut the hole on Ferrari and Purple Bull.
“It’s fairly overwhelming actually to get this third place and it has been such a battle this 12 months with the automobile and as a group,” Hamilton stated.
“We’ve got continued to remain vigilant and centered and by no means giving up. That’s one thing I’m so proud about and I’m impressed by my crew.
“They’re a bit of bit too fast for us in the mean time however we’re getting nearer. We’ve got acquired to maintain pushing and hopefully we might be in a struggle with these guys.”
