Charles Leclerc’s fall out of the lead at the French Grand Prix gave Max Verstappen the victory and a significant advantage in the World Championship.
Two laps after the Red Bull made its first pit stop, the Ferrari driver, who needed a strong finish to keep his title ambitions alive, lost control at the Beausset right-hander.
With 10 races remaining, Verstappen has a 63-point lead after his eighth victory in the past 12 races.
After a tense and hectic battle with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez in the last circuits, Lewis Hamilton, making his 300th Formula 1 start, finished a strong second, with George Russell taking third and the final podium spot for Mercedes.
With 11 circuits remaining, Carlos Sainz of Ferrari was in fifth place and questioned his team’s choice to make a second pit stop.
“The car was quick today – of course, unlucky for Charles, I hope he is OK – but I just did my race and looked after the tyres,” said Verstappen.
“We still have a bit of work to do, over a single lap especially, so we just have to keep on working.”