Verstappen takes Spanish Grand Prix victory after Leclerc retires

Max Verstappen won an eventful Spanish Grand Prix after Charles Leclerc was forced to retire from a comfortable lead.

Verstappen overcame an early spin into the gravel and a race-long DRS issue to take his fourth win of 2022, maintaining his record of winning every race he has finished this season. The victory, combined with Leclerc’s demise, also moved Verstappen to the top of the championship standings.

Sergio Perez finished in second to make it a Red Bull 1-2. The Mexican had been leading but was asked by the team to let his team-mate through.

Mercedes driver George Russell took the final podium place after a strong showing, which saw him keep the Red Bulls behind for a long period. The car upgrades that Mercedes had brought to Spain looked to have paid off as they were more competitive throughout the weekend.

Russel’s team-mate, Lewis Hamilton, recovered from a first lap collision with Kevin Magnussen to take fifth, just behind Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz. Like Verstappen, Sainz had also had a spin into the gravel caused by strong gusts of wind at turn four.

Leclerc had been on course for his third win of the season until an engine failure on lap 28 put him out of the race. He had led from pole and had been able to open up a lead due to the various issues going on behind him.

With the championship now moving on to Monaco this coming weekend, Leclerc will be hoping for better luck at his home circuit.