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Red Bull’s Max Verstappen clinched victory at the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday, marking his third consecutive win at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The three-time world champion masterfully navigated a race filled with unpredictable weather conditions, securing his sixth win out of nine races this season.
Starting second on the grid, Verstappen capitalized on his team’s strategic decisions amidst the changing weather. Post-race, the 26-year-old commended his team for their crucial role in his success. “I do think it was a very good team effort today,” Verstappen remarked. “We made the right calls, we remained calm when it was sometimes a little bit hectic. At times in the race, we didn’t look the quickest, but we were there at the right time, so I’m very happy with that.”
McLaren’s Lando Norris, who had been a strong contender for the win, finished in second place, while Mercedes’ George Russell claimed third. Russell, who started the race in pole position, managed to maintain his lead initially despite a wet start that saw cars struggling on the slippery track.
As conditions improved, Norris seized the opportunity to overtake both Verstappen and Russell, taking the lead. However, a series of pit stops, safety cars, and a resurgence of rain allowed Verstappen to reclaim the front and secure his 60th career win. This victory extends his lead at the top of the driver’s championship to 56 points.
Norris expressed frustration over missed opportunities and pointed to McLaren’s strategic errors as a key factor in his second-place finish. Despite establishing a significant lead earlier in the race, McLaren’s indecision during the first safety car period compromised his position. “We should have won today, simple as that,” a disappointed Norris told reporters. “We didn’t do a good enough job as a team to box when we should have done and not get stuck behind the safety car. So, I don’t think it was a lucky or unlucky kind of thing. This was just making a wrong call.”
The season now moves to the Spanish Grand Prix on June 23, with Verstappen aiming to further solidify his grip on the world title. As the competition heats up, teams and drivers will be looking to learn from their experiences in Montreal and strategize for the races ahead.
