Max Verstappen wins Canadian Grand Prix to tighten grip on title race

Formula One title race on Sunday when he drove his Red Bull to a thrilling victory in a closely-fought Canadian Grand Prix. The 24-year-old Dutchman controlled a tactical race from pole position through three safety car interventions and resisted intense late pressure from Ferrari's Carlos Sainz to win by under a second. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who on Friday declared his car as "undriveable", came home third for Mercedes to claim his second podium of a difficult season ahead of team-mate George Russell in fourth.

It was Verstappen's first Canadian victory in his 150th career start, his sixth this year and the 26th of his career, hoisting him 46 points clear of his rivals in the championship. "I was giving it everything," said Verstappen. "But so was Carlos. He was pushing, charging, pushing, charging. Naturally, it's easier to charge with DRS! I had fun today." Sainz said: "We were quicker, faster all race, but it's difficult to overtake round here. I'm particularly happy with the race pace and with the pressure we put on Max." Hamilton, a record seven-time winner in Montreal, cheered the big crowd - part of a weekend attendance of 338,000 - and said he was "overwhelmed to get third place. It's been quite a battle, but we've never given up. I've been inspired by my crew."

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who started at the back of the grid after taking a penalty for a new engine, finished fifth ahead of Esteban Ocon and his Alpine team-mate Fernando Alonso, Valtteri Bottas and his Alfa Romeo team-mate Zhou Guanyu. Local hope Lance Stroll finished 10th for Aston Martin. After Saturday's deluge, the race began with a mixed-up 'wet' grid - with Leclerc, Perez and several others out of their normal race