Max Verstappen dominates Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri falls out of points

Max Verstappen’s grip on the Formula 1 drivers’ championship has tightened after the Dutchman cruised to victory in Spain.

Starting from pole, Red Bull’s double world champion never looked threatened as he comfortably won ahead of Mercedes pair of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in second and third.

Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ championship extended to 53 points over teammate Sergio Perez, who finished fourth after starting the race 11th.

The Dutchman also claimed one point for the race’s fastest lap.

Verstappen’s only issue during the race was exceeding the track limits.

He was shown the black and white flag, indicating he had gone outside the track on three occasions.

His team told him over the radio to take no risks for the final laps, with the Dutchman holding a lead of almost 20 seconds.

Verstappen was full of praise for his team after the dominant weekend, which also involved securing pole position by more than fourth-tenths of a second.

“It’s a big pleasure to drive with a car like this,” he said.  

“A win here, it’s incredible. A strong weekend from myself, from the team. Hopefully we can keep this up.”

Australian Oscar Piastri was unable to replicate the pace from qualifying, during a difficult day for McLaren.

The British team had both drivers staring up the grid, with Piastri ninth and Lando Norris third after a sensational Saturday.

But it was not to be McLaren’s day, with Norris pitting after the opening lap to replace his damaged front wing after contact with Hamilton at the first corner.

Norris’s say never got better, with the young Briton finishing 17th.

Meanwhile, Piastri never seemed to be on the pace against those in the top 10.

Form the opening lap the young Australian lost positions and could only manage 13th.

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