Verstappen’s Triumphant in Montreal As He Matches Senna’s Win Tally

On a splendid afternoon at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Max Verstappen, the Dutch maestro in the Red Bull, further tightened his grip on the 2023 F1 driver’s championship of what likely may become his third title on the trot. The two-time reigning World Champion clinched his 41st victory, thereby equalling the revered win tally of the legendary Ayrton Senna. This momentous victory also signified a milestone for Red Bull Racing as they celebrated their 100th Formula 1 race win.

The Spanish virtuoso, Fernando Alonso, driving for Aston Martin, gallantly secured second place despite grappling with brake issues in the latter stages of the race. Alonso, who commenced the race from the second position on the grid, initially lost his place to Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. However, after an astutely executed first round of pit stops, he overtook his long-time adversary.

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time World Champion, crossed the finish line in third place, not far behind Alonso. His teammate, George Russell, commenced the race commendably but met a bitter fate during the 14th lap as he collided with the barriers, severely damaging the rear of his Mercedes. This incident prompted the deployment of the safety car.

As the safety car made its rounds, Scuderia Ferrari’s duo, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. were resurgent. They had begun the race from the tenth and eleventh positions respectively and staged what was perhaps the Scuderia’s most spirited performance this season. Leclerc and Sainz expertly navigated a one-stop strategy to secure fourth and fifth positions respectively.

Sergio Perez, the second Red Bull warrior, was hot on the heels of the Ferraris, having rebounded from a lacklustre qualifying session. The day’s crown for the most prodigious performance, however, went to Alex Albon of Williams, who concluded the race in seventh position after valiantly fending off swifter competitors.

Meanwhile, Esteban Ocon in his Alpine car and Lando Norris in his McLaren engaged in a thrilling duel till the chequered flag, with Ocon narrowly clinching the eighth position. Norris penalised five seconds earlier in the race, fell to thirteenth place.

The Canadian crowd had reason to celebrate as their compatriot, Lance Stroll, executed a valiant overtake on Valtteri Bottas in the final moments of the race, securing the ninth place. This was a morale-boosting moment for Stroll and the Aston Martin team who was yet again shown up by Alonso.

The race also featured commendable efforts from the likes of Oscar Piastri, Pierre Gasly, and Yuki Tsunoda. However, Nico Hulkenberg could not capitalise on a promising position due to a combination of a penalty and a pace deficit.

Regrettably, the race ended prematurely for Logan Sargeant’s Williams, which was the first car to retire. George Russell also retired after his unfortunate encounter with the barriers.

Race Classification: 2023 Canadian Grand Prix

1. Max VERSTAPPEN, Red Bull Racing

2. Fernando ALONSO, Aston Martin, +9.570s

3. Lewis HAMILTON, Mercedes, +14.168s

4. Charles LECLERC, Ferrari, +18.648s

5. Carlos SAINZ, Ferrari, +21.540s

6. Sergio PEREZ, Red Bull Racing, +51.028s

7. Alexander ALBON, Williams, +60.813s

8. Esteban OCON, Alpine, +61.692s

9. Lance STROLL, Aston Martin, +64.402s

10. Valtteri BOTTAS, Alfa Romeo, +64.432s

11. Oscar PIASTRI, McLaren, +65.101s

12. Pierre GASLY, Alpine, +65.249s

13. Lando NORRIS, McLaren, +68.363s

14. Yuki TSUNODA, AlphaTauri, +73.423s

15. Nico HULKENBERG, Haas, +1 lap

16. ZHOU Guanyu, Alfa Romeo, +1 lap

17. Kevin MAGNUSSEN, Haas, +1 lap

18. Nyck DE VRIES, AlphaTauri, +1 lap

19. George RUSSELL, Mercedes, Did Not Finish

20. Logan SARGEANT, Williams, Did Not Finish