Max Verstappen regained his winning form in dramatic style on Sunday, capturing victory at the rain-impacted Canadian Grand Prix. This triumph marks his third consecutive win at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and the 60th of his illustrious career. The three-time champion and current series leader, who had faced challenges in two of the previous three races, delivered a masterclass in strategy and skill, thanks to superb calls from his team, finishing 3.879 seconds ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Starting from second on the grid, Verstappen skillfully navigated the chaotic race, which included two Safety Car periods, to maintain and extend his lead in the drivers’ championship. Mercedes’ George Russell, who started from pole, took third place, just ahead of his seven-time champion teammate, Lewis Hamilton, who had a mixed day on the track.
“This race was pretty wild with so much happening,” Verstappen commented. “Our team stayed composed, made the right calls, and we managed to pit at just the right moments. We’re in a great position now.”
Verstappen’s victory widened his lead over Charles Leclerc, who could not finish, leaving the Dutchman 56 points ahead in the championship standings. This win also comes on the heels of Verstappen’s disappointing Miami Grand Prix, where he lost his lead and allowed Norris to secure his first career win.
“Unlike Miami, the Safety Cars worked in our favor this time,” Verstappen noted. “Managing the gaps was crucial, and we did it well. It was fun, and races like this are exciting. We won, and that’s what counts. We know what needs fixing, so we’ll continue to improve.”
Hamilton, who faced challenges throughout the race, was overtaken by Russell in the closing stages but managed to finish ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, who secured fifth and sixth place respectively.
“It was wild and chaotic out there,” said Norris, celebrating McLaren’s first points in Canada since 2014 on the anniversary of Bruce McLaren’s first win in 1968. “From start to finish, it was a very eventful and enjoyable race despite the conditions.”
Russell expressed his frustration, saying, “I’m sorry for that performance—it was an ugly race for me. It feels like a missed opportunity, given our pace this weekend.”
The race saw a mix of rain and sunshine, with notable non-finishers including Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull, both Ferraris, and both Williams. The large crowd enjoyed the unpredictable weather and the constantly shifting race dynamics.
Verstappen’s latest victory propels him to 194 points in the drivers’ championship, extending his lead over Leclerc, who remains at 138 points, and Norris, who is close behind with 131 points. In the constructors’ standings, Red Bull now leads with 301 points, followed by Ferrari with 252 in a season that continues to see many twists and turns.
