Emmanuel Thomas, DPA, Sunday, June 4, 2023
SPAIN – Champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull cruised to victory at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday to claim the 40th Formula One win of his career on the track he celebrated his first-ever grand prix success in 2016.
The championship leader was under attack from Carlos Sainz at the start of the race, but held on to his position and wasted no time stamping his authority.
The Dutchman complained about his tyres and the lack of grip throughout the race, but that was not enough to stop from crossing the finish line in first.
Mercedes car updates, brought on at the Monaco Grand Prix last weekend, seemed to have paid off as they completed the podium with Lewis Hamilton in second and George Russell in third – the best result for the German team this season.
Verstappen leads the drivers’ championship 52 points ahead of team-mate Sergio Perez, who finished fourth in Spain.