Can Max Verstappen be stopped in his bid for a second straight title?

Max Verstappen raced to victory at Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix to extend his championship lead to 46 points.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the factors which might stand in the way of Verstappen charging to his second title in succession.

With six victories from nine, and a commanding advantage in the championship fight, Verstappen is the grid’s in-form driver.

Fresh from dominating on the streets of Baku a week ago, the Dutchman produced an equally impressive display at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Verstappen put his Red Bull on pole in the wet, and after beating Fernando Alonso to the opening bend, his victory – despite a late challenge from Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz – never appeared in danger.

He is 46 points clear of team-mate Sergio Perez as we approach the midway stage of the season. Red Bull meanwhile, have won the last six races.

Leclerc won two of the opening three rounds to lead Verstappen by 46 points. But the Monegasque has endured a torrid run since – and largely through no fault of his own.

Leclerc’s retirements in Spain (May 22) and Azerbaijan (June 12) with engine failures were sandwiched by a strategy faux pas from his Ferrari team in Monaco (May 29) which denied him a probable win. Sunday’s Canadian GP was a case of damage limitation after he started at the back following engine penalties.

He drove well to finish fifth, but now trails Verstappen by 49 points – the equivalent of two wins.

Despite Leclerc’s grid penalty, Ferrari will take some confidence from their speed in Montreal.

Sainz hustled Verstappen to the chequered flag following a late safety car, while Leclerc’s charge through the pack shows Ferrari still have a competitive machine.

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