• Formula 1

Sports editorial, Jun 9 (EFE).-

Dutchman Max Verstappen redeemed himself from his sixth place finish in Monaco two weeks ago by winning in the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix in his Red Bull Racing car, keeping his lead in the world championship in a wet race that saw five retirements.

After starting second at the Gilles Villeneuve circuit, Verstappen finished four seconds ahead of McLaren driver Lando Norris, who was second and got closer to Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari in the championship.

When Norris had gained more than 6 seconds on Verstappen, who took advantage of a mistake by Mercedes driver George Russell to take second place, American Logan Sargeant went off the track and caused a safety car that disrupted the race.

Norris stopped and came out behind Verstappen and Russell. And the Dutchman started pulling away as soon as the safety car left the track, taking advantage of the struggles between the two Britons to continue gaining time.

An accident by Williams’ Alexander Albon brought out a new safety car which sealed the race for Verstappen, who returned to victory after falling out of the podium places in Monaco.

Leclerc was one of the retirements along with his teammate Carlos Sainz and Verstappen teammate Sergio Perez, while Spaniard Fernando Alonso placed his Aston Martin sixth.

It was not easy for the three-time world champion, who had to deal with two safety cars, two passages through the pits making up positions and the pace of Norris, who is chasing Verstappen in the championship.

Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri, who had lasted the entire race, was unable to keep up with the Mercedes, who after changing the tires, drove a final stint that put Norris’ second place in danger. In the end, Norris survived, which allowed him to continue close to Leclerc in the standings.

Verstappen meanwhile expanded his advantage over Leclerc and Norris, who, despite suffering until the finish line, held off the Mercedes of Russell and his teammate Lewis Hamilton. EFE

crn/lds