Red Bull’s Max Verstappen cruised to a third consecutive victory, his fifth in seven races, to win the Spanish Grand Prix and take control of the season.
The Dutchman’s 40th career victory extended his championship lead over team-mate Sergio Perez to 53 points.
Verstappen was followed home by Lewis Hamilton and George Russell on an encouraging day for Mercedes.
Russell faced a charge from Perez in the closing laps but held on for his first podium finish of the year.
Carlos Sainz slipped from second on the grid to fifth at the finish in the upgraded Ferrari, losing fourth to Perez in the closing stages.
Fernando Alonso charged up from 10th place after his final pit stop to pass three drivers to take seventh at the flag.
Alonso could have also passed Aston Martin team-mate Lance Stroll for sixth, but backed off and held position behind the Canadian, even going on to the radio to tell the team to let Stroll know there was “no risk” that he would try to overtake him. (BBC)
